Theatrical spectacles were a part of sacred festivals in the Roman world. Actors would wear masks in order to embody the psychological state of their character. The exaggerated features projected the emotions outward to the spectators who sat in the…

The theatre in Mérida is one of the best examples of its kind to be found in western Europe. Its construction began c. 15 BCE, and an inscription indicates that Roman consul Marcus Agrippa (63-12 BCE) was the main instigator for building it. It could…

This 4th century CE mosaic depicts a victorious charioteer commanding a quadriga (a four-horse chariot). Inscriptions throughout the mosaic help us name the charioteer and his horses. Along the top, next to his name, Marcianus, the word 'nicha'…

About 400 metres (1312 ft,) to the east of the amphitheatre are the remains of the circus, built at the beginning of the 1st century CE shortly after the city's foundation. It was used for two-horse and four-horse chariot racing and was modelled on…

This fragmented relief depicts gladiators prepared for combat. In Rome, gladiators used specific armor and weapons depending on their training. In this relief the figure on the left is a murmillo distinguished by his helmet. He likely has fallen to…

A painting that adorned the balustrade of the podium of the Roman amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita depicting a venatio scene with a hunter attacking a lioness. Late 1st century CE. It was found reused in a tomb outside the amphitheatre, which accounts…

The amphitheatre was built next to the theatre in 8 BCE for gladiatorial contests and staged beast-hunts. It could hold up to 15,000 people. The elliptical building was of considerable dimensions and measured 126 by 103 metres (413 by 337 ft) The…