Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Wild Beasts, Domus Aurea, Titus Statilius Taurus
Document Summary
Amphitheatre is where you see blood sports". Most famous built in 1st century ce. Pairs of fighters fought in the forum or the circus. Circus stadium shape where they race their chariots: (or earlier still, by graves gladiators wouldn"t fight in theatre they would fight by graves). Semi-permanent theatres: 51 bce swiveling amphitheatre: two separate half theatres; two halves join to make one big amphitheatre for performances. 29 bce rome"s first permanent stone amphitheatre (built by gaius statilius taurus): small and not much used (possibly semi-private amphitheatre, burned down in 64bce lasted about 90 years but was not used much. Emperor vespasian: drained lake and laid deep footing/foundation of concrete for theatre: his son titus finished the amphitheatre however finishing touches had not yet been put on, domitian added gilded bronze shields to finish it. Picture: gold coin of the coliseum wild beast hunt in progress.