An amphitheatre was a structure built throughout the Roman empire where ordinary people could watch such spectacles as gladiator games, mock naval battles, wild animal hunts, and public executions. Usually oval in form, the largest examples could seat tens of thousands of people, and they became a focal point of Roman society and the lucrative entertainment business. Amphitheatres are one of the best surviving examples of ancient Roman architecture, and many are still in use today, hosting events ranging from gladiator re-enactments to opera concerts.
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Definition
Timeline
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264 BCEFirst recorded Roman gladiator games organised by two sons to commemorate the death of their father.
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c. 75 BCEThe amphitheatre of Pompeii is built.
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59 CEA riot in the arena of Pompeii between locals and citizens of Nuceria results in a ten-year ban on gladiator games in Pompeii.
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72 CEVespasian begins construction of the Colosseum in Rome.
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80 CEThe Colosseum in Rome is officially opened by Titus with a 100 day gladiator spectacular.
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81 CE - 96 CEConstruction is finally completed on the Colosseum of Rome in the reign of Domitian.
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c. 404 CERoman Emperor Honorius outlaws gladiator games.
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523 CELast recorded animal games in the Colosseum of Rome.
