|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Amphitheatre lies to the south of the Via dell'Abbondanza near the Sarno Gate. It was completed in 80BC, having been commissioned by two magistrates, C. Quintius Valgus and M. Porcius (these two magistrates also commissioned the Small Theatre or Odeon).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An impressive structure, it measures approximately 135 x 104 metres and could hold about 20,000 people.
The oldest Roman amphitheatre, it differs from later structures in several key aspects: its entrance ramps were all on the outside, there were no underground areas beneath the arena, and much of the arena was dug out to a level below that of the surrounding area.
The cavea was divided into three sections of 5, 12 and 18 rows of seats, the lowest section of 5 rows being reserved for dignitaries.
An upper gallery, which was separated from the other areas and had its own stairs and entrances was probably reserved for women and children.
|
|
|
In the upper section holes can still be seen into which poles were inserted to hold up the large velarium used to protect spectators from the elements.
|
|
|
|
The amphitheatre was used exclusively for sports, gladiatorial contests and spectacles involving wild animals. It drew crowds from the surrounding towns including, of course, Herculaneum.
As with some sports today, support could be fanatical. So much so that, during a gladatorial contest in 59AD, fighting broke out between the locals and visiting supporters from the nearby town of Nuceria (now Nocera); because of the violence, which left many dead and even more injured, the Senate prohibited Pompeii from holding similar events for a period of ten years.
(This measure was revoked three years later after the earthquake of 62AD).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Central Baths lie at the intersection of two of Pompeii's main streets, Via Stabiana and Via di Nola. Construction of these baths began after the earthquake of 62AD following the latest thinking, letting in more light to the interior and providing more exercise space outside. The baths, oddly, did not have a frigidarium, but did have a laconicum instead.
As with the Suburban Baths in Herculaneum, the baths were not divided into separate men's and women's sections and were probably used exclusively by men. At the time of the eruption the construction of the bath complex was still incomplete - the swimming pool was unfinished and the gymnasium was yet to be started.
|
|
