History of Water Battles (naumachiae) - Julius Caesar and the Emperor Claudius
Julius Caesar originated these spectacular displays when in 46 AD he had a permanent lake built specifically for Naumachiae, or water battles on the far side of the River Tiber. This lake measured 1800ft long and 1200ft wide and was surrounded by marble seating for the wealthy spectators. Up to 3000 men and possibly 1200 sharks, some with tridents attached to their heads, were engaged in the fighting and the sea battle featured 12 Roman galleys. The Emperor Claudius was also fond of these water battles and used the Fucine Lake for this purpose. The number of galleys involved in the water battles increased and became more elaborate and spectacular.
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