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

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