with over 400 actors employed in this Pike attraction, Ancient Rome gave the pike-goers the
illusion of going back in time to a life of gladiators and chariot races in the Augustine Period of
Rome.
A large arena, called the Hippodrome showcased chariot race, jousting, boxing, and
gladiatorial clashes with broadsword.
Huge gladiatorial spectacles included: 200 persons, 40 animals ( including tigers, lions, and leopards).
The finale was a reproduction of Nero's Rome burning.
Inhabited in the same Ancient Rome attraction, a totally out-of-place The Spirit of Fire", a Hawaiian 'god' (a replica of Kilauea Volcano), sported clouds of incense, smoke and artificial fire.
The cyclorama of the Volcano of Kilauea, Hawaii was at 1893 Chicago World's Fair
Walter W. Burridge, a painter, of Chicago, visited Hawaii and made a two-years' study of the mountain; thereafter, with a corps of assistants, he painted and built the cyclorama, the entire expense rising to 80,000 dollars. Also represented was the throne and uniform of the late king of Hawaii, with the furniture and equipments of his palace, relics of by-gone days.
On the premises was a restaurant for public and for Fair employees.
Most visitors found Ancient Rome an educational exhibit.
12 chariots were used for the shows.
It was billed as the coolest spot at the Fair.
Exhibit Statistics
Price of Admission- 10 cents adults
Another 25 cents to see volcano
Possibly another charge for the theater.
Exhibition Profit- 46,904.60 dollars
