Title of the work
Country of the First Edition
Country/countries of popularity
Original Language
First Edition Date
First Edition Details
Iain Ashman, Usborne Cut-Out Models: Make this Roman Amphitheatre. Usborne Publishing, 2008, 32 pp.
ISBN
Genre
Activity book*
Puzzles and games
Target Audience
Crossover (9 years old and above)
Cover
We are still trying to obtain permission for posting the original cover.
Author of the Entry:
Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Peer-reviewer of the Entry:
Lisa Maurice, Bar-Ilan University, lisa.maurice@biu.ac.il
Susan Deacy, University of Roehampton, s.deacy@roehampton.ac.uk
Iain Ashman (Author, Illustrator)
Iain Ashman is a graphic designer from the UK, who designs and illustrates various things, from book designs to logo and posters and more.
Source:
Official website (accessed: February 4, 2020).
Bio prepared by Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Summary
This is a cut out, stiff card model of a Roman Amphitheatre that one can create using only glue and scissors. The model includes cut-out figures of gladiators, crowed and ships.
Analysis
The company notes that the model is “historically accurate” and it is admirable that the company to endeavoured to ensure the accuracy of its model. This is a highly detailed model and appears it was researched before being made.
Apart from the cut out pages, the opening and back pages also include assembly directions as well as some explanations regarding the different parts. For example, in “the figures" explanation, it is noted that “there is a group of musicians who played at the edge of the arena”. This gives an added educational value to the actual model and brings it more to life.
Furthermore, among the cut-out parts are a naval battle scene, beasts and even the crowd is distinguished by different clothes and gender. It appears as if the women are wearing long dresses, the men appear to be in chitons and some are wearing togas. It does not seem to resemble the Gladiator 2000 movie or TV series, but the creator’s own imagination. The gladiators seem to be wearing short tunics and holding weapons, like net and spheres. The model also offers a glimpse into the inner walls and not just the outside building.
