In the Exercise Area

In the Gymnasium

Caecilius gave Quintus a discus because he was celebrating his birthday. Then Caecilius led his son to the baths, where the gymnasium was located. A servant was carrying a discus for Quintus. After Caecilius and his son entered the baths, they made their way to the gymnasium. There was a huge crowd in the gymnasium. Quintus saw many young men and athletes. Quintus saw many statues in the gymnasium. “The Pompeians have placed statues of the most famous athletes,” said Caecilius. In the gymnasium, there was a long portico. The spectators were standing in the portico. Servants were offering wine to the spectators. Quintus saw the crowd near the portico; a huge athlete was standing in the middle of the crowd. “Who is that athlete?” asked Quintus. “That is Milo, the most famous athlete,” replied Caecilius. Caecilius and Quintus made their way to Milo. Quintus showed the athlete the new discus. Milo, after inspecting the discus, moved to the centre of the gymnasium. The athlete looked around the gymnasium and threw the discus. The discus flew far through the air. The spectators praised the athlete. A servant sought the discus for Milo. After the servant found the discus, he returned to Milo. The servant was offering the discus to the athlete. However, the athlete did not accept the discus. “The discus is not mine,” said Milo. The servant handed the discus to Quintus. Then a young man also threw a discus. The discus again flew through the air. However, the discus struck a statue. “Alas!” shouted Caecilius. “The statue has a broken nose.” Quintus laughed. The Pompeians laughed. However, Milo did not laugh. “Why don’t you laugh?” asked the young man. Milo was very angry. “Plague!” replied the athlete. “It is my statue!”