T
The Fallen Angel
Guest
Part 1
The War Of The Roses
Most people today think of the war of The Roses as the conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster, so it may come as some surprise to learn that the original expression began in the Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre as it was known at the time. The construction of this 50 000 seater stadium began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. It wasn't however until 83 Ad during the reign of Domitian that the first War Of The Roses began. The Amphitheater was host to magnificent productions of sea battles, re-enactments, gladiatorial combats, crucifixions and other spectacles too gruesome to mention. However as today with a massive production things such as hydraulics could, and did cause delays due to malfunction. During such unwanted delays the crowd would become restless and no Emperor wanted that on his watch. Domitian was the first to introduce short (15-20 mins.) contests to keep the audience interested during the delay. One popular contest was a whipping one. Two Colosseum slave girls, in this illustration Junia and Dominica for the sake of argument would be on standby with two well matched Christian girls (preferably virgins). The slave girls were allowed to be dressed but preferred nudity as it allowed them more freedom of movement, it was always hot and besides they probably enjoyed showing off in front of a large crowd.
Let's call the girls Avita and Mila. The virgins were hoisted up and tied to a simple wooden structure which could be quickly assembled into ready made slots on the ground by what today would be known as stage crew. Dominica has won the toss to go first and has Mila tied firmly in position. Mila would be warmed up by a device known as the Vaginacaleomachina. It was called other things by the rabble . Basically it was just a stand and a container for what was probably a mixture of naphthalene, wood resin and distilled alcohol. Mila would be tormented by the flames until Dominica pulled out her whip. There are no surviving records of the rules but accounts by notable senators of the time suggest that 10 lashes could be applied anywhere on the back and an equal number on the front. Whip shots between the legs were allowed and were greeted by loud applause from an appreciative crowd. Junia and Dominica would have had to be careful however as whipping a girl until she became unconscious and hence silent was not appreciated. The crowd wanted screams...long and loud!...they hadn't paid to watch a silent movie. After Dominica's allotted time and cracks of the whip Mila would be gagged and then it would be Junia's turn.
Every spectator upon entry was given a red and white rose. If they thought that Junia exacted the best and loudest screams then they would toss in a red rose. These interludes became much enjoyed especially by the high ranking members of society.
Oddly enough there is a theory that the well known Pollice Verso painting showing the Vestal Virgins giving thumbs down to a gladiator was first painted depicting them tossing roses into the arena during such a contest but was altered due to possible public outrage.
The War Of The Roses
Most people today think of the war of The Roses as the conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster, so it may come as some surprise to learn that the original expression began in the Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre as it was known at the time. The construction of this 50 000 seater stadium began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. It wasn't however until 83 Ad during the reign of Domitian that the first War Of The Roses began. The Amphitheater was host to magnificent productions of sea battles, re-enactments, gladiatorial combats, crucifixions and other spectacles too gruesome to mention. However as today with a massive production things such as hydraulics could, and did cause delays due to malfunction. During such unwanted delays the crowd would become restless and no Emperor wanted that on his watch. Domitian was the first to introduce short (15-20 mins.) contests to keep the audience interested during the delay. One popular contest was a whipping one. Two Colosseum slave girls, in this illustration Junia and Dominica for the sake of argument would be on standby with two well matched Christian girls (preferably virgins). The slave girls were allowed to be dressed but preferred nudity as it allowed them more freedom of movement, it was always hot and besides they probably enjoyed showing off in front of a large crowd.
Let's call the girls Avita and Mila. The virgins were hoisted up and tied to a simple wooden structure which could be quickly assembled into ready made slots on the ground by what today would be known as stage crew. Dominica has won the toss to go first and has Mila tied firmly in position. Mila would be warmed up by a device known as the Vaginacaleomachina. It was called other things by the rabble . Basically it was just a stand and a container for what was probably a mixture of naphthalene, wood resin and distilled alcohol. Mila would be tormented by the flames until Dominica pulled out her whip. There are no surviving records of the rules but accounts by notable senators of the time suggest that 10 lashes could be applied anywhere on the back and an equal number on the front. Whip shots between the legs were allowed and were greeted by loud applause from an appreciative crowd. Junia and Dominica would have had to be careful however as whipping a girl until she became unconscious and hence silent was not appreciated. The crowd wanted screams...long and loud!...they hadn't paid to watch a silent movie. After Dominica's allotted time and cracks of the whip Mila would be gagged and then it would be Junia's turn.
Every spectator upon entry was given a red and white rose. If they thought that Junia exacted the best and loudest screams then they would toss in a red rose. These interludes became much enjoyed especially by the high ranking members of society.
Oddly enough there is a theory that the well known Pollice Verso painting showing the Vestal Virgins giving thumbs down to a gladiator was first painted depicting them tossing roses into the arena during such a contest but was altered due to possible public outrage.