Roman Bloodsport in Modern Day New York
by Sherene on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Ever wonder what it would have been like to be a gladiator during the time of the Roman Empire? More than a thousand civilians in togas got a chance to find out last month as they gathered around a reflecting pool in a New York City park to witness a gladiator-like battle on water.
In Ceasar’s time, it would have been called a “naumachia”, a type of nautical bloodsport in which prisoners and slaves fought against each other. In this modern day naumachia, however, it was the spectators who splashed in knee-deep water and destroyed the floating artwork that took five months to create. Ripe tomatoes were used as projectiles, hurled between warriors and spectators.
The event was called Those About to Die Salute You — named after the traditional, and final, salute shouted to the presiding emperor by the naumachia combatants.
Want to stage your own mock battle? You’ve come to the right place! Costume Craze has a fierce collection of Roman and Gladitor costumes…
Those about to fight, we salute you!
 Roman Gladiator Costume |
 Roman Hunk Costume |
 Centurion Armour Set |
[via Wired]
