Slaves did much of the work freeing Roman citizens to enjoy themselves. Most events were free, so even the poor could attend. Some events were held during the day, and others were held at night. Three main types of entertainment were common in Ancient Rome. Romans attended theatrical performances, chariot races, and gladiator fights.
Men from all over Rome gathered at the Campus Martius to play and exercise. The Campus was the old drill ground for the soldiers. It was near the Tiber River. Soon the Campus became the ancient Rome's field and track playground. Men participated in foot racing, jumping, archery, wrestling and boxing. The men also practiced riding, fencing, wrestling, throwing, and swimming.
In the country men enjoyed hunting, riding, and fishing. Whether you lived in the city or in the country, the baths were an important part of everyday life. The bath was a place to socialize, relax, exercise, and play games.
People enjoyed playing games in Ancient Rome. Common games were dice, marbles, and knucklebones. Knucklebones were jacks made out of dried animal bones. Infants enjoyed rattles and noisemakers. Children also had piggybanks, masks made from ivory or terra-cotta, letters cut from ivory, lead figurines shaped like gods, and miniature sacrificial instruments. Children played with scooters, jump ropes, kites, yo-yos, and swings. Small wooden tops were used. Some children played with small carts that were hitched to the family goat, pony, or dog. Girls played with rag dolls and wax figurines. Some of the wooden and terra cotta dolls had movable arms and legs. Romans also played games similar to checkers.
Some more active games included ball games.
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Ancient Rome Roman Theater
The Romans loved to watch plays. Each city had its own theater. Most were open. Large theaters, like the Theater of Marcellus in Rome, could seat thousands of people. The audience sat on half circle facing a stage. Actors entered the stage through doors in the walls that were decorated with statues and columns.
Actors would try to win the audience's praise with brightly painted masks, costumes, dancing, and mime. Romans especially liked comedies which had happy endings. The masks helped the audience identify the characters from a distance.
