Learn what an amphitheater is

Learn what an amphitheater is
Learn what an amphitheater is

Video: Learn what an amphitheater is

Video: Learn what an amphitheater is
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This name smells of mystery and antiquity, so you should resort to historical data. The meaning of the word "amphitheater" takes us on a journey through Ancient Rome. It was there that these unusual structures appeared. So what is an amphitheater? If we turn to the translation, then literally it will mean “two-way theater.”

An amphitheater in ancient times

This building 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 located various extensions. A strong stone fence was installed around the arena, which was reinforced with a lattice to protect against animals. Behind the fence began seating for spectators. The near seats were occupied by horsemen, senators and other elites, while the distant ones were occupied by the common people.

what is an amphitheater
what is an amphitheater

What does the amphitheater mean to the Romans? This is the venue:

  • colorful gladiator fights;
  • baiting wild animals;
  • theatrical performances.

The building is convenient for its location of seats for spectators at different heights and arcades distributed along the outer perimeter, which expanded upwards. This provided:

  • free view of the stage;
  • free access to stairs;
  • no crush.

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

Where was the amphitheater built?

Many buildings have been erected in Italy. Few have survived to this day - this is the oldest amphitheater in Pompeii and the famous Colosseum. In Verona there is a building called the arena, also built in the ancient period and retaining its splendor to this day.

what does amphitheater mean
what does amphitheater mean

Initially, structures were built of wood. The first wooden amphitheater for gladiator fights was made by order of Caesar and was broken down at the end of the event. Further, during the reign of Augustus, the building was built partly of stone. The building was later burned down in a fire. The amphitheater in Fiden 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 amphitheatres, small structures were erected in every city in Italy, Spain, Greece, Gaul.

Colosseum as a historical value

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

the meaning of the word amphitheater
the meaning of the word amphitheater

The opening celebration of the amphitheater continued for 100 days non-stop. The performance program, as a rule, began with the performance of clowns and cripples, who also fought, but with the aim not to harm each other, but to make the audience laugh. Further, gladiators and animals were released into the arena, which were catapulted from the basement.

Today, the Colosseum is a magnificent ruin, and everyone can visit the building at the allotted time.

What is an amphitheater today? These are seats in the auditorium that are located behind the stalls or above the boxes on stepped thresholds arranged in a semicircle.

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