Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Italy Blog #81: Pompeii - Part 2: Amphitheater

In part 2 of the Pompeii, Italy blog we'll walk you through the impressive amphitheater. Keep in mind
Oldest Amphitheater in the world
that this ancient city was thriving in 79 A.D. or C.E. (common era) when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The entrance (1 of 7) to the city that we came through, led directly to the outdoor amphitheater that seated between 12,000 and 20,000 people (depends on what source you read). 20,000 was the estimated population of the entire city at that time. 

WORD MEANING - The word "Amphitheater" means "double theater" or "circular theater": it is an elliptical structure situated in a depression in the ground and backing onto embankments.

A DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTION - Unlike the Colosseum in Rome, it didn't have underground chambers where animals were kept or gladiators trained. In addition, this theatre  was equipped with a "velarium," or cover that stretched over the complex in case of rain! In fact if you visit, you can still see some of the rings to which the canopy was fixed.

SECTIONS FOR CLASSES - Like the Colosseum in Rome, the seating was reserved for people of different classes. The seats in the lower central area were reserved for dignitaries, while those high up were for the common folks.

Gladiator
160 YEARS OLD BEFORE VESUVIUS -  The period of its construction dates back to 80 B.C., and since Vesuvius buried it in 79 A.D. it was in operation almost 160 years!

THE GAMES - Of course, there were animals, a "circus" and gladiator games.  (Of course, it's another excuse to publish a photo of a gladiator.).

A larger view of the Amphitheater
NEXT: A Well-Preserved Wealthy Home



Who I am

I'm a simple guy who enjoys the simple things in life, especially our dogs. I volunteer for dog rescues, enjoy exercising, blogging, politics, helping friends and neighbors, participating in ghost investigations, coffee, weather, superheroes, comic books, mystery novels, traveling, 70s and 80s music, classic country music,writing books on ghosts and spirits, cooking simply and keeping in shape. You'll find tidbits of all of these things on this blog and more. EMAIL me at Rgutro@gmail.com - Rob

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