Amphitheatre In Pompeii

Question 1

When was it built

Answer 1

Built around 70BCE

Question 2

When was it damaged by an earthquake

Answer 2

62CE

Question 3

Why was it abandoned and when?

Answer 3

Because of the Vesuvius eruption, in 79CE

Question 4

When was it excavated?

Answer 4

1748

Question 5

Technical details

Answer 5

1. Built at edge of city near walls (to accommodate number of visitors)
2. Lack of external structures (except staircases with 2 flights) -> provide access to upper steps
3. 2 entrances : porta triumphalist (opening procession of gladiators), porta libitinensis (exit point for dead).
4. Washroom near neighbouring palaestra
5. Internal feature: corridor cutting into base of cavea (seating area): ima/prima, media, summa/ultima

Question 6

Size and capacity

Answer 6

• 135m long, 104m wide
• up to 20.000 spectators
• arena 6m below ground level

Question 7

How was the audience experience

Answer 7

-design of lower entrances for higher-class citizens, seated closest to arena-> creating stimulating/dramatic experience; as entering, struck by beams of light flooding dark tunnel and roar of crowd

-all social classes could enjoy, but separation into 3 diff areas - reflected social status

-parapet separating spectators from arena decorated with gladiators scenes, slogans and nicknames of gladiators reflecting popularity among citizens, particularly women

Question 8

What events were taking place

Answer 8

-gladiatorial fights
-animal hunts
-chariot racing

Question 9

Individuals

Answer 9

-private sponsors: Gaius Quinctus Valgus and Marcus Porcius
-magistrate Cuspius Pansa and his son undertook the restoration after 62CE earthquake

Question 10

What incidents took place?

Answer 10

-59CE, brawl between Pompeiians and Nucerians. Senate issued 10-year ban, measure withdraw after earthquake