Cultures of Spectacle

The ancient artefacts in this cabinet explore different aspects of Greco-Roman religion, which was celebrated not only by the worship of deities, but also by engaging in or staging spectacular forms of entertainment.

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Gold Stater with Charioteer. C.012.

These artefacts represent the spectacular events of theatre performance, gladiatorial combats, athletic competitions, and chariot racing.

Ancient public spectacles expressed different types of religious, cultural, and political power, as demonstrated by the Macedonian gold stater. The coin’s imagery associated Philip of Macedon with the spectacle of Greek chariot racing, the god Apollo, the Delphic Oracle and Pythian Games. 

Theatrical Performances

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Lamp in the Form of a Comic Mask. 90.004.

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Figurine of Actor. 75.005.

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Jug Fragment with Mask. 18.004.

Gladiatorial Combat

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Lamp with Gladiators. 84.007.

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Plate Fragment with Venator (Hunter) and Bear. 83.082.

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Plate Fragment with Venator (Hunter). 83.085.

Chariot Racing

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Gold Stater with Charioteer. C.012.

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Lamp with Quadriga. 83.048.

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Plate Fragment with Charioteer. 83.079.

Athletic Competitions

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Stater with Youths Wrestling. C.009.

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Kylix Fragment with Athlete Holding Halteres. 82.002.

Spectacles
Cultures of Spectacle