Roman entertainment - Page 2 - Historum

Caracalla · January 14th, 2011, 03:37 AM

I believe the reason is that Romans considered slaves to not be human, or not have a soul, or something like that. A prostitute was nearly always a slave and so had no choice in the matter whereas being artistic or a skilled labourour was a choice that required training and effort.

**Salah** · January 14th, 2011, 05:59 AM

Acting was - along with fighting as a gladiator - associated with prostitution, because you were selling your body for the amusement of others. The fact that most actors were male meant that they were viewed as a species of male prostitute - the most loathsome creature in society.

Great post as usual, Caracalla.

**Clemmie** · January 14th, 2011, 06:22 AM

Enjoyed your post.

Thessalonian · January 14th, 2011, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixi666

That is true. No self-respecting Roman citizen would be an actor. They were considered to be at the same level as prostitutes.

So, if Romans lived today they would consider Angelina Jolie as a prostitute!
Those savage Romans needed Greeks to civilize them, as Horace thought!

Caracalla · January 14th, 2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thessalonian

So, if Romans lived today they would consider Angelina Jolie as a prostitute!
Those savage Romans needed Greeks to civilize them, as Horace thought!

I'd buy that for a dollar!

**pixi666** · January 14th, 2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caracalla

I believe the reason is that Romans considered slaves to not be human, or not have a soul, or something like that. A prostitute was nearly always a slave and so had no choice in the matter whereas being artistic or a skilled labourour was a choice that required training and effort.

A strange fact about Roman prostitutes is that you could identify them easily, because they were the only women who wore togas.

Psellos · January 14th, 2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caracalla

Almost true. Actors were below prostitutes and were on a level with labourours and slaves, which is one reason why Nero caused such controversy when he took to the stage.

That's true. Its amazing how Romans managed to degrade a noble and extremely beautiful expression of human culture, like the theatre, to a circus with pantomimes and prostitutes... Just like with athletism which lost any noble and poetic and symbolic meaning and became a show for thirsty for blood arena audience...too pitty...

Thats the reason why the Church Fathers looked theatre and athleticc with such repulsion.

Kebuka · January 14th, 2011, 12:55 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent post! Their history being so well recorded, we can learn so much from the Romans. Last semester I had a history prof who was quite keen on Bread and Circuses, and it was interesting to discuss how Roman entertainment parallels entertainment in the United States.

I believe Edward Gibbon once said, roughly, "We shouldn't be as concerned with why Rome declined, as we should be surprised that is lasted so long." One reason it lasted so long, some argue, Bread and Circuses.

Bread and circuses #1

Bread and Circuses #2