Walking beneath the Colosseum in Rome gave me goosebumps. Moving through ancient passageways once used by slaves in early AD delighted me. I learned that the Romans built elaborate sets on platforms that were pushed up ramps into the arena. To create the entertainment, exotic animals from around the empire as well as gladiators appeared through a sophisticated system of lifts, creating dramatic entrances on the colosseum floor. The Romans clearly loved their entertainment.
Ancient arenas
What surprised me most was learning that gladiators rarely fought to the death. It was simply too costly for the emperor to lose his trained fighters. Even the famous thumbs-up or thumbs-down gesture didn’t originate in Ancient Rome, but was invented by a French painter in the 1800s. Yet, more intriguing was the order of the day’s entertainment: animal fights in the mornings, dramatic executions at mid-day, and gladiator matches in the late afternoon.
Modern amusement
Humans are entertained by all kinds of things. My dad used to watch the WWF matches–Hulk Hogan, Bret the Hitman Hart, and Rowdy Roddy Pipper–bobbing and ducking as if he were in the ring himself. Another family member can’t get enough of Dr. Pimple Popper and horror movies. And, of course, I’ve been around stock car racing and demolition derby’s all my life.
I often say I’m not much of a sports fan, yet I loved watching my kids play. I enjoy women’s sports immensely, particularly volleyball, softball, and soccer. Recently, I’ve become a proud WNBA supporter. I enjoy watching the athleticism and celebrating the success of women’s sports. Perhaps even more inspiring is watching whole communities, and even countries, come together to support a team.
The art of being delighted
In the busyness of life and pressures of productivity, I appreciate the reminder to let myself be delighted by a little entertainment. Personally, I like getting lost in a good book or escaping into a movie. Recently, I spent a summer evening at a concert performed from a trailer beside a field green with the promise of harvest. I also cherish meandering through art galleries and soaking up the magic of live theater. Laughter, imagination, and moments of delight matter to me. Entertainment has endured throughout the ages for a reason. It lifts and connects us. Now and then, we simply need to be delighted with gift of being alive.
I love your stories thank you for sharing!!