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Processions at the Colosseum
The spectators all seated in the Colosseum waiting
for the games to begin with the magnificent processions
which would set the scene for the games. An opening ceremony
may have well started with a religious ceremony and even
some ritual
Sacrifices at the Roman Colosseum. The sound of the
procession approaching would have been dimly heard in the
distance. The gladiatorial games at the Colosseum are about
to begin...
Processions at the Colosseum
- Entry through the Gate of Life
All eyes would be turned to
the east of the arena towards the Gate of Life where the
procession would enter. The Gate of Life was connected via a
tunnel to the Ludus Magnus the great Gladiator School and
the gladiators would have only joined the end of procession
to make their entry into the arena. The procession,
minus the gladiators, would have paraded through the streets
of Rome. The procession was led by
slaves clothed in golden armor and blowing long trumpets.
The musicians would have followed, loudly playing on horns,
fifes and flutes.
Processions at the Colosseum
- Entry of the 'Editor'
The 'editor' giving the games,
usually to curry political favor with the 'mob', rode behind
on a chariot perhaps drawn by exotic wild animals such as zebras
or even ostriches. The chariot would have been surrounded by
his supporters. The 'editor' was the only person who had the
right to wear a purple toga and on his head would have been
a golden wreath encrusted with semi-precious jewels. The
wild animals drawing the chariot would be shown in
magnificent harness and led by their trainers.
Processions at the Colosseum
- The Main Procession
After the chariot
came the main procession consisting of spectacular floats
and decorated carts drawn by horses, mules and
elephants. The floats held groups of young men and girls posing to represent
a mythological tableau. Acrobats, animal trainers and their
animal acts, hunters and bowmen followed. Dancers in exotic
costumes scattering rose petals. The main procession would
have circled the arena and followed by the entry of the
Vestal Virgins who took their palace directly opposite the
Imperial Box used by the Emperor. The Emperor would have
entered the Colosseum to the fanfare of trumpets and then
taken his place in the royal box followed by a detachment of
the Praetorian Guard.
Processions at the Colosseum
- The Entry of the Gladiators
The entry of the gladiators
came last and they would have entered through the Gate of
Life to rapturous applause from the crowds. The gladiators
would have been fully briefed and knew exactly what was
expected of them. Each gladiator would be attired in
specific armor and holding appropriate weapons. Some
gladiators would have worn gold-embroidered cloaks. The
spectators would have recognised the armor and weapons and
were able to distinguish the different styles of combat that
would be displayed. The entry of the gladiators would have
ended as they paraded around the arena and then formed ranks
in front of the Imperial Box and the Emperor.
Processions at the Colosseum
- "We who are
about to die, salute you!"
The gladiators saluted the
emperor shouting the ritual chorus of "Ave imperato morituri
te salutant!" which roughly translated meant "We who are
about to die, salute you!". The processions at the Colosseum
then led to the slaughter in the bloody arena.
Processions at the Colosseum
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