Amphitheatrum (Amphitheaters) General - Ancient Rome Live (AIRC)

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This is a uniquely Roman structure whose definition, a theater with seating on all sides, borrows from the Greek terms “amphi” on all sides and theater, a Greek construction, specifically created viewing gladiatorial spectacles in the central arena.  Gladiatorial fights are attested in Rome as early as 264 BCE in the Forum Boarium, but nothing is known of the viewing structure there. Archaeological and literary evidence point to the Roman Forum as the point of origin for the temporary structure in the late 3rd Century BCE, built in wood around the central forum piazza, for the temporary viewing pleasure of the public of the gladiator fights, the key activity held in the structure. 

Find out more about amphitheaters at https://ancientromelive.org/amphitheatrum-amphitheaters-general/

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