Concept in Definition ABC

From a point of view architectural, an amphitheater is the union or fusion of two theaters, in such a way that a spherical structure is formed, specifically a ellipse. The term amphitheater in Greek means precisely two theaters, since the prefix amphis means two.

As well as the civilization Greek is the creator of the theaters, the Roman civilization was the one that devised the amphitheater, an enclosure that was normally destined to all kinds of shows, such as gladiator fighting, circus shows, animal confrontations or battle simulations naval. Theatrical performances were not held in Roman amphitheaters.

Structure of a Roman amphitheater

In the central part was the arena (the stage), the place where activities were carried out to entertain the public. Surrounding the arena was the cavea, that is, the bleachers (in the stands the spectators had an occupation depending on their social position). Under the arena of the antitheater there was a pit for the animals and warehouses to store the material of the shows. And so that the public could be entertained in good conditions, the stands were covered with fabrics that provided shade for the attendees.

Bread and Circus

The amphitheater for the Romans was much more than a simple enclosure for the entertainment. In them all social classes (patricians, commoners and slaves) gathered to coast from the public purse. The leaders considered that leisure served as a mechanism of propaganda to keep the town entertained. This idea has been summarized in a well-known expression: bread and circus (panem et circenses).

Those attending the various shows came in their best clothes and with handkerchiefs that symbolized their favorite gladiators, something that reminds us of current football. What happened in the arena was discussed on the street, in the senate and in brothels. The amphitheaters represented the immense power of Roman civilization, because in them it was possible witness fights between gladiators of any race or fights of wild animals from anywhere remote.

The gladiator is the protagonist of the amphitheater

The most valued spectacle was the combat between gladiators, who could fight in pairs, in groups or as real armies. Gladiators were usually prisoners of war, trained slaves, or sentenced to death. Before going out to fight they addressed the emperor with a phrase that has gone down in history: Hail Caesar, those who are going to die salute you.

Photos: Fotolia - scaliger / rh2010