PURPOSE

In Chapter 20 of Suburani, the story shifts to the city of Carthage in North Africa, where Sabina and Alexander are working on mosaics at the villa of a wealthy Roman. In this chapter, we meet Barca, an enslaved gladiator, and explore the world of gladiatorial games—both from the viewpoint of the fighters and the spectators. In this assignment, you will examine a mosaic depicting gladiators and reflect on what it reveals about gladiatorial games

TASK

Read Amphitheaters and Gladiators in Chapter 20. Look at the Symmachius Mosaic and respond to the following questions in English:

1. This mosaic from Rome tells a story, arranged in two frames. Look at the lower frame first: Two gladiators are facing each other. Their names, Maternus (left) and Habilis (right), are written beside their heads. Next to Maternus’ name is the symbol Ø, which means ‘death’. How would the spectators distinguish between these two gladiators?
2. Behind each gladiator is a man wearing a tunic. Who do you think these men are?
3. Now look at the upper frame. Describe what is happening here.
4. From left to right along the top are two phrases: ‘necō’ ‘haec vidēmus’ and ‘Symmachī homō fēlīx’ Who do you think is meant to be speaking each of these phrases?
5. Symmachius was probably the sponsor of the games. Why is he described as fēlīx?

Be specific and thoughtful in your response.

NOTA BENE

• Your submission will be marked as complete if you make a sincere effort to address each of the questions. Please note that 2 points will be deducted for each unanswered question (total: 10 points).
• Your responses must be entirely your own work.
• While you may discuss the assignment with a classmate, each of you should write your own answers independently.
• The use of AI tools is not allowed in the preparation of this assignment.