What people fought each other and animals for entertainment in ancient Rome?

Answer 1

The venatio (plural venationes) took place at the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus (the Chariot Racing track) and the Saepta (a massive public building in the Campus Martius, in the north of the city). Animal hunts at the Colosseum were part of the gladiatorial games (which included many other events, besides the gladiatorial contests) and were held in the morning, while the gladiatorial contents took place in the afternoon. Animal hunts held at the Circus Maximus were part of the ludi circensis, games which involved chariot races.

Most of the animals used for the venationes were wild animals, but not all of them were. They included lions, elephants, bears, deer, wild goats, dogs, and rabbits. Some of these animals were trained, and instead of fighting, performed tricks. Hunts of lions were very popular because this animal was revered for its ferocity. The man who performed the vanatio was the venator "(hunter), who technically was not considered a gladiator. Besides hunting he performed tricks such as putting an arm in a lion's mouth, riding a camel while leading lions on a leash and making an elephant walk a tightrope.

Serious criminals could be condemned "to the beasts" (damnatio ad bestias) to be killed by wild animals at the Colosseum as a type of death sentence. They were called bestiarii. These executions were staged as plays in which the convict had to fight without weapon or amour.

Answer 2

The gladiators fought each other in the gladiatorial games for entertainment. The bestiarii (beast-fighters) fought against wild animals, mostly lions or bears. The vanatores (hunters) specialised in animal hunts. Neither the bestiarii nor the venatores were gladiators. The gladiators only fought against another man.

Answer 3

No as a amphitheatre is used for the art of drama

Answer 4

no