The Roman AmphitheatreBy: Adam Preslar

BasicsConstruction of the stone Amphitheatre was begun in 16 B.C.It is arranged in an oval, measuring 136m and 107 m across its two axis.It can seat 2400 spectators in 34 rows of seats.The seats are 16 inches wide.Seating would have been arranged by class, with the wealthiest/most influential people sitting under shaded covers.

UsesWould have been the site of gladiatorial bouts, and a general purpose meeting place.Would not have held races.

Not just an ArenaIn the Middle Ages, the amphitheatre was used as a fortress.It housed a chteau and two churches, from the 600s to 1226 when they were demolished. Two towers still remain from this period

Modern UseInterestingly enough, the arena is still used.In the summer you can watch Bullfighting.There are two types of fights, traditional (when the bull is killed) and Camarguaise where the object is to remove a rosette of flowers from his head.The arena was also retrofitted with a removable covering in 1988, so it could be used in the winter.

Sources

http://www.beyond.fr/villphotos/arlesmuseumsP01.htmlhttp://www.beyond.fr/villphotos/arlesmuseumsP02.html http://seniortravel.about.com/od/thetripofalifetime/ig/Provence-Adventure/The-Roman-Amphitheatre--Arles.htmhttp://seniortravel.about.com/od/thetripofalifetime/ig/Provence-Adventure/Amphitheatre-near-Arles-caf-.htmhttp://archaeology.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.athenapub.com/rhone1.htmhttp://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/virtual_journeys/99177/2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphitheatrehttp://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050529/spectrum/main6.htm

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