Also known as the
Amphitheatrum Flavium. It was built during the
Flavian dynasty and dedicated by
Titus in A.D. 80. In it there were
games lasting 100 days, which were described by
Martial (
On the Spectacles). The estimated capacity was 50,000. Material used was
stone and
concrete, and dimensions were 188/156 meters. Admission was free but
spectators were seated according to a strict
class-biased
protocol.
The exterior facade had Tuscan, or Doric, columns on the ground level, Ionic on the second, and Corinthian on the third (the 4th level was an attic for waving banners and had Corinthian pilasters). There was access from the ground level to any other level and easy egress via 76 exits. The seats sloped towards the arena ("sand") and focused the crowd's attention. The structure was based on groin vaults, on deep concrete foundations.
The best seats were next to the arena and reserved for senators (this section included the emperor's imperial box). The zone one level higher was for the equestrians, then sections for clients (plebeians), public guests, and at the very top, women. There was also an elaborate underground system of passageways and cages for the gladiators to transport the beasts.