naumachia

[ naw-mey-kee-uh ]

noun

, plural nau·ma·chi·ae [naw-, mey, -kee-ee], nau·ma·chi·as.

1. a mock sea fight, given as a spectacle among the ancient Romans.
2. a place for presenting such spectacles.

naumachia

/ nɔːˈmeɪkɪə; ˈnɔːməkɪ /

noun

1. a mock sea fight performed as an entertainment
2. an artificial lake used in such a spectacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of naumachia¹

1590–1600; < Latin: mock naval battle < Greek naumachía a sea fight, equivalent to naû ( s ) ship + mách ( ē ) battle, fight + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of naumachia¹

C16: via Latin from Greek naumakhia , from naus ship + makhē battle

Example Sentences

The gladiation officials insisted, however, that gladiating was “as safe as it has always been, and definitely way safer than naumachia.”

From Washington Post

The naumachia was a sea-fight, either in the arena, which was flooded for the occasion by a system of pipes and sluices, or on an artificial lake.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the vast arena was flooded with water, and naumachia or sea-fights were exhibited.

From Project Gutenberg

The brother and heir of the murdered man offered him to me cheap for the naumachia, and if he survived--for the tiger.

From Project Gutenberg

Fourth; naumachia, or the representation of a sea fight; those who fought, were usually composed of captives or condemned malefactors, who fought to death, unless saved by the clemency of the emperors.

From Project Gutenberg