Amphitheatre In Pompeii

Question 1

When was it built?

Answer 1

Around 70BCE (shortly after Pompeii was made Roman Colony to establish influence)

Question 2

Other important dates

Answer 2

• Damaged by earthquake 62CE
• Abandoned: 79CE
• Excavated 1748, 1813-1816

Question 3

Where was it built?

Answer 3

Edge of city near walls -> accommodates number of visitors from neighbouring towns

Question 4

External structure?

Answer 4

Lacking, only staircase with two flights, provides access to upper steps + downward corridor provides access to lower steps

Question 5

Name the entrances

Answer 5

1) Porta triumphalis: opening procession of gladiators
2) Porta libitinensis: exit point for the dead

Question 6

Name the different seating areas

Answer 6

1) Ima/prima
2) Media
3) Summa/ultima

Question 7

Size and capacity

Answer 7

• 135m long 104m wide
• arena 6m below ground level, 66.7m long, 35.1m wide
• up to 20,000 spectators

Question 8

Info on audience

Answer 8

1) Lower entrances for higher-class citizens, sitting closest to arena
2) All social classes allowed, separation of three different areas (based off social status)
3) Parapet separating gladiators from arena, decorated with gladiator scenes, slogans, nicknames of gladiators

Question 9

Events

Answer 9

1) Gladiatorial fights
2) Animal hunts
3) Chariot racing

Question 10

Important people

Answer 10

1) Private sponsors: Gaius Quinctius Valgus + Marcus Porcius
2) Magistrate Cuspius Pansa + his son undertook restoration after 62CE earthquake

Question 11

Incidents

Answer 11

59CE brawl between Pompeiians + Nucerians, senate issued 10-year ban, withdrawn after earthquake