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Colosseum
The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre is a large ellipsoid arena built in the first century CE by the Flavian Roman emperors of Vespasian (69-79 CE), Titus (79-81 CE) and Domitian (81-96 CE). The massive arena held 50,000 spectators and hosted...

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Arches, Amphitheatre of Verona
The remaining top tier of arches of the Roman amphitheatre of Verona, Italy, 1st century CE. The arena was the third largest in the Roman world and used to host gladiator, circus and equestrian events.

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Amphitheatre, Augusta Raurica
The remains of the amphitheatre of the Roman colony of Augusta Raurica, near Basel, Switzerland, c. 50-250 CE.

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Amphitheatre
amphitheatre of Grand, France

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The Amphitheatre of Pompeii
The amphitheatre of Pompeii was used for gladiatorial combat and is the oldest one of its kind in existence. Built 150 years before the Colosseum in 70 BCE, it could hold up to 20,000 spectators not only from Pompeii but also from neighbouring...

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Salona Amphitheatre, Croatia
The remains of the amphitheatre of Salona (Solin, Croatia), erected in the latter half of the 2nd century (c. 170 CE). The fights in the arena could be watched by some 17,000 spectators.

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Amphitheatre of El Jem (UNESCO/NHK)
The impressive ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa, a huge amphitheatre which could hold up to 35,000 spectators, are found in the small village of El Jem, Tunisia. This 3rd-century A.D. monument illustrates the grandeur and extent...

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Roman Games, Chariot Races & Spectacle
If there was one thing the Roman people loved it was spectacle and the opportunity of escapism offered by weird and wonderful public shows which assaulted the senses and ratcheted up the emotions. Roman rulers knew this well and so to increase...

Definition
Roman Gladiator
A Roman gladiator was an ancient professional fighter who usually specialised with particular weapons and types of armour. They fought before the public in hugely popular organised games held in large purpose-built arenas throughout the Roman...

Definition
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire, at its height (c. 117), was the most extensive political and social structure in western civilization. Building upon the foundation laid by the Roman Republic, the empire became the largest and most powerful political and...