Gladiators & the Theatre
History: KS2 National Curriculum, topic 2.1.5
Gladiators & the Theatre
Amphitheatres
- Amphitheatres are open-roofed theatres.
- The Romans built amphitheatres to watch shows.
- Amphitheatres had seats in a circle or oval around the stage.
The Colosseum
- The Colosseum is a huge amphitheatre in Rome.
- It could fit more than 50,000 people.
- The Romans built the Colosseum in AD 72.
Gladiators
- Gladiators were fighters in Ancient Rome.
- They fought in the Colosseum and other theatres.
- Gladiators used swords, shields, and armour.
- Some gladiators were slaves.
Test yourself on Gladiators & the Theatre
What are amphitheatres?
What is the Colosseum?
Who were the gladiators in Rome?
What is correct about how the Romans had fun?