Recreation
Romans in the upper class enjoyed watching the latest plays in theaters, and musical performances in one another's homes. Relaxing trips to spas, otherwise known as baths were also considered essential. There, the Romans enjoyed bathing, swimming, athletic workouts, massages, saunas, light meals, and an occasional lecture on the benefits of staying in shape. Romans also enjoyed watching the bloody spectacle of the gladiator games in the Colosseum. The gladiators were usually slaves or prisoners if war. The favorite gathering place of the Romans was the circus Maximus, where they watched chariot races. Refreshments were sold there at “fast food” stalls called Thermopolia. Although both rich and poor Romans were allowed to attend the races but they had to sit in separate sections. Emperors and the wealthy citezens sat in comfortable “box seats” close to the track, with many other luxury accessories. The poor crowd sat on wooden benches in tiers far above the track. Unlike the Colosseum the Circus Maximus allowed both genders to sit together. The Roman poet Ovid said that the Circus Maximus was the best place to meet a boyfriend or girlfriend because you would never know who you would sit by. The races were very intimate and crowds cheered for their favorite racers.