International Archaeology Day lecture: Roman Gladiators!

Name: International Archaeology Day lecture: Roman Gladiators!
Start: 2024-10-19T14:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-10-19T15:00:00-04:00
Location: Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center

Schedule

Sat Oct 19 2024 at 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center | Saint Petersburg, FL

Join us on International Archaeology Day for a special presentation from USF's Dr. Davide Tanasi about Roman gladiators and the material culture of death! Spots are limited in the Center's auditorium so registration is required.
ABOUT THE TALK
This talk delves into the heart of Roman entertainment culture, where violence and death became spectacle. Gladiators—enslaved warriors, criminals, and volunteers—fought to the death in arenas, their fates intertwined with the roaring crowds. Far from mere sport, these deadly games were deeply embedded in Roman social, political, and cultural life. Through a detailed analysis of material culture, particularly tombstones and inscriptions, we will explore how the lives and deaths of these combatants were commemorated. These poignant artifacts offer insights into gladiatorial identities, social status, and the public’s fascination with death as entertainment. It will also examine the critical role of ancient Sicily as a key site of gladiatorial history.