Ku chwale Wiecznego Miasta! Słonie w rzymskich amfiteatrach
Glory to the Eternal City! Elephants in Roman Amphitheaters

Summary/Abstract: Roman experiences with elephants in battle, proving that these “ancient tanks” posed a threat to enemies and friendlies alike, which is why — despite the beliefs of Hellenistic strategists — Roman commanders were reluctant to use war elephants. However, these seemingly useless giants (defeated, but also tamed) became a valuable prize for the Romans, as they constituted a spectacular evidence of their victory. The goal of this article is to present the methods elephants were used outside of the battlefield: as a part of triumph ceremonies and — in some measure as their consequence — at the arenas of Roman amphitheaters; furthermore, it aims to analyze antique texts on the character of the giants’ presentation in the Eternal City, especially in the Republic era. The games organized by Pompey in 55 BC were a significant event in the context of this story — the people protested the killing of elephants at the arena, which was an unprecedented occurrence. The later venations with the participation of these animals resembled more their contemporary circus performances.

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