Naval Battle in the Colosseum, Naumachia
Do you think Naval Battles in the Colosseum of Ancient Roman is a very over looked spectacle that could make for a great game and film setting?
The Naumachia was an elaborate form of public spectacle in ancient Rome, involving the staging of naval battles.
Naumachiae were grand spectacles staged for entertainment purposes, often to celebrate military victories, political events, or to honour deities. They demonstrated the power and resources of the Roman state and its leaders.
These events were conducted in specially constructed basins or flooded arenas. Some were held in natural bodies of water, but many took place in artificial basins designed specifically for the purpose. For example, Julius Caesar created a basin near the Tiber River in 46 BCE for one of the first recorded Naumachiae.
The participants in Naumachiae were often prisoners of war, slaves, or condemned criminals who were forced to fight to the death. They were trained to reenact famous naval battles from history or mythology.
Naumachiae were massive undertakings, requiring extensive resources, including ships, crews, and a large body of water. Thousands of combatants and spectators could be involved in these events, highlighting the grandeur and organizational capabilities of the Roman Empire.
The Naumachia was not just a form of entertainment but also a demonstration of Rome's naval capabilities and engineering prowess. The ability to recreate naval battles on such a scale showcased Rome’s dominion over the seas and its technological and logistical expertise.
Over time, as the Roman Empire's resources and political stability waned, the frequency and scale of Naumachiae diminished. They remained a symbol of Rome’s past grandeur, but the later empire could not sustain such costly spectacles.
In essence, the Naumachia was a testament to the power, wealth, and ingenuity of ancient Rome, serving both as entertainment and propaganda.
Just thought I would mention it, have a nice day 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDKe5NqOJ5w&t=77s
Replies
These stage battles seem like an interesting slice of history - I too had never heard of them before. This Gladiator2 trailer looks exhausting though ...