Description of the Amphitheatre (Reg II, Ins 6) 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. Quintus Valgus and M. Porcius (these two magistrates also commissioned the Small Theatre, or Odeon). A 3D view of the amphitheatre is available to view, courtesy of the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei. .. .. The arena was eliptical and surrounded by a parapet more than two metres high, originally painted with scenes of the hunt and contests. The ima cavea was for persons of rank and was divided into sectors; the central part of the first four rows consisted of four wide platforms for the bisellia, those on the east reserved for decurions and those on the west for the duoviri and the sponsors of the games. The media and summa cavae were divided into cunei by flights of stairs. .. .. Posters advertising the games and illustrating the programme appear frequently on the walls of Pompeii. The spectacles were passionately participated in by the crowds and various gladiators became highly popular, as witnessed by the inscriptions. ,, .. As with some sports today, support could be fanatical. During a gladatorial contest in 59AD, fighting broke out between the colonies of Pompeii and Nuceria. An impressive structure, the amphitheatre 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 (pictured left), 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. ,, ,, An upper gallery, which was separated from the other areas of the arena 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 Herculaneum. .. .. According to the historian Tacitus (Annals XIV, 17) 'it arose at a show arranged by Livineius Regulus. During the exchange of taunts abuse led to stone throwing, and then swords were drawn. Many Nucerians were taken home wounded and mutilated; many bereavements, too, were suffered by parents and children... Livineius and others held responsible for the disorders were exiled.' Because of the violence the Senate prohibited Pompeii from holding similar events for a period of ten years but this measure was revoked three years later after the earthquake of 62AD.

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