Ulpiano Checa (Spanish, 1860–1916) The Naumachia (Naval Battle Between Romans), 1894 Museo Ulpiano Checa, Colmenar de Oreja Julius Caesar hosted the first naumachia in 46 BC by excavating a massive temporary basin in the Campus Martius to celebrate his military triumphs . These events recreated historic naval victories using real, full-sized ships and thousands of combatants—frequently prisoners of war or criminals—who fought to the death.


















