Pompeii: Amphitheatre + Riots

• Located in the south-east corner, next to the large exercise ground (used by gladiators)
• Capacity of 15000 people
• Oval shape and rows of seats above the centre gave everybody a good view
• Gladiators had special living and training barracks
• Most common shows were gladiator fights and wild beast hunts
• Games were usually paid for by a sponsor 
  • to gain popularity
• The seating arrangements at the amphitheatre said something about the hierarchy of ancient society
  • leading citizens and councillors (rich men) > military men > normal men > women
  • there was a gap between expensive and cheaper seats
• External staircase leads to upper rows
• The games were excellent business as well as social opportunities
• The amphitheatre was damaged in the earthquake of 62AD but there were signs of repairs, with inscriptions stating who paid for them

"It arose out of a trifling incident at a gladiatorial show....During an exchange of taunts—characteristic of these disorderly country towns—abuse led to stone-throwing, and then swords were drawn."

-  Tacitus, Annals (XIV.17)

• Occurred in 59AD
• Pompeian spectators clashed with spectators from Nuceria
• Many people were killed from the fighting
• The Emperor became concerned and after an investigation banned Pompeii from holding games for 10 years, the sponsor was sent into exile