|
|
|
A form of entertainment which was greatly appreciated from Republican times onwards were the venationes, a term used for all events involving animals: hunts, contests between wild beasts, death sentences ad bestias, displays of exotic creatures and displays with trained animals. The venationes were transferred from the circus to the amphitheatre in Imperial times and became ever more elaborate, with rare and tamed animals and costly scenery, and the capital punishment of deserters, prisoners of war and criminals of low social rank; pieces of mythological drama were also prepared.
|
|
|
|
|
