2023 Gladiator Tour Preliminary Itinerary
July 13 Thurs | Spectacle in Rome: Triumph, Circus Maximus, Palatine We start by tracing the Triumphal procession route in Rome with stops at the Circus Maximus and Palatine, 2 of the most important sites for gladiators and spectacle in Rome Key Topics & Terms: charioteers, ludi, triumph, imperator, spectacle, cultural values and political needs, Arch of Titus, Arch of Constantine, Arch of Septimius Severus Activities: discussions on entertainers and spectators at each building from the perspective of that group. |
July 14 Fri | Spectacle in Rome: Colosseum, Palazzo Massimo, Stadium of Domitian We start by exploring the Colosseum then move to the Palazzo Massimo and finally visit the Stadium of Domitian Key Topics & Terms: Gladiators, munera, venationes, spectacle, cultural values and political needs |
July 15 Sat | Ostia: Spectacular Baths, Houses, Tombs, and Theater Day trip to Ostia to visit the theater, baths, bars, and houses and their spectacular aspects. Late afternoon optional visit to beach or Theater of Balbus, or Montemartini, a branch of the Capitoline museum |
July 16 Sun | Tiberius and the Spectacle of Sperlonga Religious and Palatial Spectacle: departure for Villa Vergiliana; stops at Terracina (“Jupiter Anxur” Temple) & Sperlonga (Villa & Grotto of Tiberius, Museum) |
July 17 Mon | Paestum, Greek Religious Spectacle and the Origins of Gladiatorial Combat Paestum, see site and museum including the gladiator tomb paintings |
July 18 Tues | National Archaeological Museum, Naples including Secret Cabinet and Villa of the Papyri collection; Villas at Stabiae: Villa Arianna & Villa San Marco National Archaeological Museum, Naples including Villa of the Papyri collection, depart for and picnic lunch at Stabiae |
July 19 Wed | Pompeii: Gladiators and spectacle in the life of a small town. Pompeii I: Public Buildings: tombs, forum, theater, amphitheater, baths, temples |
July 20 Thurs | Pompeii II: Spectacle in Private Life Pompeii II: Private Life: houses, gardens and villas in and around Pompeii, depart 15:00 for Villa at Oplontis |
July 21 Fri | Bathing and Arena Spectacle: Animal Hunts and Prisoner Executions Museo at Castello di Baia (9:00 – 10:50 am), Scavi di Baia (11:00 – 12:30) Lunch at Villa Vergiliana, 13:00; Lake Avernus and Pozzuoli: Amphitheater, Solfatara |
July 22 Sat | Daily Life in the Shadow of Vesuvius morning at and picnic lunch at Herculaneum, ascent of Vesuvius |
July 23 Sun | Fatal Charades, Naval Spectacle and a Visit to the Underworld Santa Maria Capua Vetere, amphitheater & gladiator museum, Lunch at Villa Vergiliana, 13:00, 14:00 Cumae: acropolis, Cave of the Sibyl, Roman Forum, Crypta Romana, amphitheater |
July 24 Mon | Depart for Rome after breakfast Stop at Temple Theater of Mount San Nicola in Pietravairano en route |
Check for updated information Fall 2022 or email Dr. Tuck.