We learn what an amphitheater is

From this name it flows with mystery and antiquity, therefore it is necessary to resort to historical data. The meaning of the word "amphitheater" leads us on a journey through ancient Rome. It was there that these unusual structures appeared. So what is an amphitheater? If you turn to the translation, it literally means "two-way theater".

Amphitheater in ancient times

This structure was located in the open air and was a combination of two horseshoe-shaped theaters. In the middle was an arena, strewn with sand. Under it were various outbuildings. Around the arena was a strong stone fence, which was strengthened by a grid to protect against animals. Behind the fence, the seats for the spectators began. Near seats were occupied by horsemen, senators and other elite, and distant ones - ordinary people.

What does the amphitheater mean for the Romans? This is the site for:

• Colorful battles of gladiators;
• Harassment of unbridled animals;
• Theatrical performances.

The building is convenient for its seating arrangement for spectators at different heights and arcades, distributed along the outer perimeter, which expanded upward. This ensured:

• Free view of the stage;
• Free access to stairs;
• Lack of crush.

Answering the question: "What is an amphitheater?", It should be noted that this structure was used for circuses not only in Rome, but also in ancient Greece.

Where did you build the amphitheater?

In Italy, many buildings were erected. To this day, few have reached - it is the oldest amphitheater in Pompeii and the famous Colosseum. In Verona is a structure called the arena, also built in the ancient period and preserved its magnificence to this day.

Initially, the buildings were built of wood. The first wooden amphitheater for gladiatorial fights was executed by order of Caesar and was broken at the end of the event. Further, during the reign of Augustus, a building was built partly of stone. Later the building was burned down during a fire. The amphitheater in Fidene fell and buried a huge number of people under its rubble - 50,000. The very first stone building was erected in the Italian province of Campania.

In addition to the listed amphitheaters, in every city in Italy, Spain, Greece, Gaul, small constructions were built.

The Coliseum as a Historical Value

What is an amphitheater for history? The Colosseum of ancient Rome is the oldest building that conveys the culture and customs of the time. The most famous amphitheater in the world was designed for 70,000 spectators. In the arena of this building were fierce battles of gladiators and wild animals.

The holiday in honor of the opening of the amphitheater lasted for 100 days non-stop. The presentation program, as a rule, began with the performance of clowns and cripples, who also fought, but in order not to harm each other, but to amuse the audience. Then the gladiators and animals were fired into the arena, they were ejected from the basement.

Today the Colosseum is a majestic ruin, and everyone can visit the building in the allotted time.

What is an amphitheater today? These are places in the auditorium, which are located behind the stalls or above the beds on stepped thresholds, located in a semicircle.