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The amphitheatre first appeared in connection with typically Roman spectacles, the munera and the venationes, to permit a large number of spectators to attend the games and to increase their public visibility. The term refers to a building with a stepped cavea enclosing an elliptical arena. The oldest amphitheatres, dated to the late 2nd century BC, are to be found at Capua, Literno and Cuma in Campania. Initially, the gladiatorial contests in Rome were held in the forum, but their ever-increasing frequency and growing popular success lead to the need to create a purpose-built venue; in the Flavian period a permanent amphitheatre was built: the Colosseum. |
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