naumachia

noun2

1. •
   The recreation of a sea battle staged for entertainment.

   • BEFORE he went to feed with owls and bats Nebuchadnezzar had an ugly dream, Worse than an Hus'if's when she thinks her cream Made a Naumachia for mice and rats. — 1816
2. •
   (historical) The location where such recreated sea battles took place; a building featuring an artificial body of water.

   • Our clerical guide did not fail us, but took us to see some ancient architectural remains, water tanks, a naumachia and other ruins of a similar sort. — 1962