Operatives, examine the two following columns:

The words in the column on the left are all adjectives. The words on the right are all nouns. Notice how it is possible to change many normal adjectives into nouns simply by dropping off their nominative singular ending and then adding the suffix -itās. All nouns formed in this way are 3rd declension and feminine.

Also operatives, it is important to note that you cannot do this with all adjectives in the Latin language, but it does work for many. The point here is that you can recognize the difference between the two.

Your uncle Gaius' plan to infiltrate the emperor's palace might be a good one even though Secundus has reservations. In order to slip in undetected, you are going to have to blend in with those who normally pass through those illustrious doors. A clever disguise will help you accomplish this task. Maybe a place to start would be to think about the various types of entertainers who could potentially make an appearance; you know all about poets and singers, but what about a comedic troupe or pantomime actors?

It also could be worthwhile to think about who else might visit the emperor? Could you pull off pretending to be a cliens of the emperor? Would you pass as an entry-level bureaucrat?

You have already looked at the Circus Maximus in detail as well as the various functions of the Forum. Perhaps a thorough inspection of the Theatre of Pompey would be fitting for Secundus' plan?

CULTURALIA Comprehension Questions
Directions: Using the CULTURALIA section of your CODEX as a guide, answer the following questions:

dē actoribus pantomīmīsque

1. Who could be an actor in Rome? Were they respected or not? Explain.

2. What are some of the stock characters in Roman comedy?

3. What do you think the plot lines were generally like? It may be helpful to read a quick summary of Plautus' Miles Gloriosus to get an idea of Roman comedy.

4. What were pantomimes? 

5. How were pantomime actors received across time in the empire?

6. What types of clothing would one need in order to pass as either an actor or a pantomimus in Rome?

dē Theātrō Pompēiī

1. When was the Theatre of Pompey constructed? How long did it take to build?

2. Why did Pompey wish to build the theatre? How could the building achieve that goal?

3. What special distinction does the Theatre of Pompey have in the Roman world?

4. Aside from the obvious stage and seating area, what else was considered to be a part of the Theatre?

5. Why do you think Pompey would be concerned with public entertainment?