Theatres - Pompeii - Amphitheatre Flashcards
Where is the amphitheatre?
South of a main road (via dell-abbondanza) near Sarno Gate
When was it completed?
80 BC
Who was it commissioned by?
Two magistrates - Valgus and Porches
How much does the amphitheatre measure?
135 x 104 metres
Capacity?
20,000
Where is the amphiteatre sited in the city?
Easterly corner (well away from the original centre)
What was the arena surrounded by?
Parapet - orginally painted with scenes of hunt and contests
What was the amphitheatre used exclusively for?
Gladiatorial contests and spectacles involving wild beasts
What was there no attempt to do to the exterior?
Face with marble
What was used instead of marble facing?
Opus incetum
What did the opus incetum do?
Give strength
What kind of arches did the theatre have?
Blind - offered no access to the interior
What was there sets of for spectators sitting on lower seats?
Exterior steps that were narrow
Where did two small tunnels lead?
Ciruclation area
What was the seating like in general?
Cramped (even for top people)
