A Day at the Colosseum in Ancient Rome

Introduction

• Concept: Imagine visiting the Colosseum in ancient Rome.
• Focus: The experience, seating, sights, and food at the Colosseum.

Key Aspects of the Visit

Tickets

• Terminology: Colosseum was referred to as "Amphitheatrum Flavium."
• Tickets: Known as tesserae, tickets were free but hard to get due to high demand.
  • Typically distributed to guilds or prominent people.
  • Scalping was an option, though expensive.

Seating Arrangements

• Podium: Closest to the action for senators and priests with personal chairs.
• Maenianum Primum: Equestrian class seating.
• Maenianum Secundum Imum: Plebian males' seating.
• Maenianum Secundum Summum: Non-citizens, the poor, and slaves.
• Maesianum Summum in Legneis: Reserved for women, often standing.

Food and Snacks

• Concession Stands: Offered chickpeas, nuts, fruits, sausages, etc.
• Popular Snacks: Dates stuffed with nuts and pepper as per ancient recipes.

Experiencing the Games

Types of Events

• Pompa: A parade with animals, acrobats, and gladiators.
• Venationes: Hunts with wild beasts.
• Meridiani: Public executions, often during lunch breaks.
• Munera: Gladiator fights, the main attraction.

Audience Experience

• Dangers: Sunstroke was a hazard; shade provided by velarium.
• Surprises: Perfume sprays and Sparsio missilium (wooden balls with prizes).

Ancient Roman Cuisine: Stuffed Dates

• Ingredients Needed:
  • Medjool dates, walnuts, pine nuts, black pepper, honey, and fine sea salt.
• Preparation Steps:
  1. Slice dates and remove stones.
  2. Grind walnuts and pine nuts; mix with crushed long pepper.
  3. Stuff dates with mixture, roll in salt.
  4. Cook in simmering honey.

Additional Information

• Hellofresh Sponsorship: Mention of modern convenience in cooking with Hellofresh.
• Experience Building: LEGO Colosseum as a metaphor to enhance imagination.

Conclusion

• Reflection: Experience at the Colosseum combines entertainment and culinary delights.
• Tasting Feedback: Stuffed dates praised for the blend of flavors and textures.