I have been reading Harry Sidebottom's novels of late and really enjoyed them. I read in them a reference to Roman Legions having actors in them to entertain the troops. This was new to me as an idea. Can anyone tell me more. I have tried to come up with info on this to no avail...
thanks
Alan
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In fiction, you do occassionally get some pieces of 'fiction'
<shrugs>
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Actors were considered to be at the bottom of the social ladder in ancient Rome, even below the level of a gladiator. I doubt very much a respectable legionary would have any involvement with such a low life activity
Richard Craig AKA Aulus Maximus
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Quote:In fiction, you do occassionally get some pieces of 'fiction
Somehow, the word, "Duh" comes to mind. :roll: :lol: Good observation.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)
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I highly doubt a Roman 'professional' actor would put himself through the rigors of military life.
But I'm sure there must have been a 'class clown' or two within a Legion. In any group of people you're surely to run across some smart-aleck or someone with a good sense of humor.
...I'd have NO idea what that would be like..... :mrgreen:
Andy Volpe
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H.J.Vrielink.
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The troop of actors(and actresses) at Dura Europas were not part of the army. They appear to (or may) have been under the sponsorship of a couple enterprising junior officers - one of whom was, IIRC, an optio. The concensus I have found assumes they were not "owned" by the army. And, yes, their soclal status was very low, with the actresses often assumed to also work as prostitutes when they weren't on stage - at least as far as the Romans' views of what actresses did besides acting.
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae