1. a mock naval battle staged as entertainment in ancient Rome
Usage: historical
2. an artificial lake or basin where such naval battles were held
Usage: historical

Examples

• The emperor organized a spectacular naumachia to celebrate his military victories.
• Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the naumachia in the flooded amphitheater.
• The naumachia featured elaborate ships and costumed participants reenacting famous sea battles.
• Augustus constructed a special naumachia near the Tiber River for public entertainment.
• The artificial lake served as a naumachia where mock naval combats thrilled Roman audiences.
• Historical records describe the naumachia as one of the most expensive forms of Roman spectacle.