Femina Furisoa: Female Arena Performers and Their Role in Ancient Roman Spectacle
Date
2019-09-27
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-9810-6318
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
This thesis looks at what motivated elite males to include female arena performers, when male performers were the norm. This study will also look at the different ways in which female arena performers were presented for the audience and unpack why those personas were chosen for them. Gender, sexuality, and exotic ethnicities were all highlighted in the case of the female arena performer. What messaging was being sent to the spectators and how did it serve the sponsors to do so? The goal for the elite male sponsors was to gain favour with the people to increase his reputation, gain political support that would impact the trajectory of his political career, and to positively affect his legacy.
Description
Keywords
Ancient Roman Spectacle, Ancient Rome, Gender History, Female Gladiators
Citation
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
History
Program
History