the roman amphitheatre

1. The Roman Amphitheatre Melissa Long

2. Overview Technically, an amphitheatre is an open-air venue for spectator sports, concerts, rallies, or theatrical performances. Two types: Ancient amphitheatres Modern amphitheatres The term derives from the ancient Greek word amphi-, meaning �around� and theatron, meaning "place for viewing�

3. Modern Amphitheatres Compared with ancient Greek theatres. Geared more towards performances. Audience seated only on one side.

4. Modern Amphitheatres Its origins are a product of ancient Greek playwrights and the invention of drama. Centered in Athens, theatrical culture flourished and developed a need for grander venues to carry out plays. Romans still built �modern� theatres, but used them for theatrical performances because of the acoustical properties The theatre of ancient Greece, or ancient Greek drama, is theatricalculture that flourished in ancient Greece between c. 550 and c. 220 BCE. The city-state of Athens, which became a significant cultural, political and military power during this period, was its centre, where it was institutionalised as part of a festival called the Dionysia, which honoured the godDionysus.The theatre of ancient Greece, or ancient Greek drama, is theatricalculture that flourished in ancient Greece between c. 550 and c. 220 BCE. The city-state of Athens, which became a significant cultural, political and military power during this period, was its centre, where it was institutionalised as part of a festival called the Dionysia, which honoured the godDionysus.

5. Modern Amphitheatres Not just a Greek style!!!!! Romans did it too!Not just a Greek style!!!!! Romans did it too!

6. Ancient Amphitheatres Ancient Roman design Large Central spaces with surrounding ascending seating. Fusion of two modern style amphitheatres.

7. Ancient Amphitheatres

8. The roman empire

9. World-Wide Distribution Albania-1 Algeria-6 Austria-3 Bulgaria-5 Croatia-2 Cyprus-2 England-15 France-14 Germany-4 Greece-2 Hungary-2 Israel- 3 Mainland italy-88

10. The Roman Influence Many have been converted to serve a modern purpose Even here in the States modern versions of Roman buildings can be found and in cities around the world.

11. Amphitheatres Today

12. Supreme Court building

13. Washington Mall

14. Uses of amphitheatres Demonstrations of wealth and power Social areas entertainment Gladiatorial combat Combat with animals Battle re-enactments Execution Possible sea battles?

15. Displays of Power Locations have strategic importance Monument to the ability and stability of the Roman society Monument to the skills that made Rome so powerful? Impressive in scale

16. Social Impact Being seen was important Place of social events Seats were segregated

17. Gladiatorial Combat

18. Gladiators Origins are not clear Two main ideas: Etruscan Southern Italian Osco-Samnite Popular and frequent

19. Venationes

20. Early amphitheatres First constructed as temporary wooden structures Little is known Placed in the middle of the forum Roman location

21. The Colosseum

22. The Colosseum Largest, and most thoroughly investigated Known as the Flavian amphitheatre because of its Construction during the Flavian dynasty buy Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 A.D., and completed by Titus in 80 A.D. The colossal statue of Nero - Colosseum Features concrete Held 50,000 people

23. The Colosseum

24. �Gladiator�

25. Special effects Elevation shafts Water Conduits

26. Bibliography Bomgardner, D.L. �The Story of the Roman Amphitheatre� Routledge, New York. 2000 Ward-Perkins, John. �Roman Architecture� Harry N. Abrams Inc. 1977 Welch, Katherine. �The Roman Amphitheatre� Cambridge University Press. 2007