The World of Courtesans c13.26

c13.26

In the morning of the cockfight, dancers, musicians, the participants in the sport, the referees and the contestants all assembled at this spot. The king took his seat in a specially prepared pavilion and the queen sat on the opposite side. Finally spurs were tied to the legs of the cocks and the fight started. The final victory was celebrated with great applause. The victorious side mounted the shoulders of the vanquished party, made fun of them and forcibly snatched their party flag. The victorious cock was mounted on an elephant and taken round the city in a procession which was accompanied by dancers and musicians. It is significant that a water clock was provided to mark the time of the fight. Courtesans also participated in the ram fights. The author defines the different species of rams used in the fight. Betting was usually very heavy.