Amphitheatre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The name amphitheatre (alternatively amphitheater) refers to a level, open space surrounded by an oval area that gradually ascends. The area may be a man-made structure or a natural geographic formation, but it is suited for seating people on the sloping area for the viewing of spectator sports, games, concerts, displays, rallies, or theatrical performances. An amphitheatre can be classified as either an ancient amphitheatre, a contemporary amphitheatre, or a natural amphitheatre.
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[edit] Natural amphitheatres
A natural amphitheatre is a performance space located in a spot where a steep mountain or a particular rock formation naturally amplifies or echoes sound, making it ideal for musical and theatrical performances. The term amphitheatre can also be used to describe naturally occurring formations which would be ideal for this purpose, even if no theatre has been constructed there. Notable natural amphitheatres include the Drakensberg amphitheatre in Drakensberg, South Africa, and the Echo amphitheatre, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, all of which are in the United States.
[edit] Gallery
 Profile of the Colosseum |
 A view of the Colosseum at night. It has over about 80 entrances. |
 The inner layers of the Colosseum, showing the construction of the outer layers. |
 An interior of the Colosseum. |
 The amphitheatre of Arles (Arelate). |
 Inside of Verona Arena with scenery for an opera performance, summer 1994 |
 El Djem: the amphitheatre of Thysdrus |
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 A corporate amphitheatre, used for presentations and meetings |
 Gibson Amphitheatre, a large indoor concert venue |
[edit] See also
- Arena
- Circus Maximus
- Forma Urbis Romae
- Ludus Magnus
- Roman architecture
- Stadium
- Thingplatz
- List of ancient Roman triumphal arches
- List of ancient temple structures
- List of archaeological sites sorted by country
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
- List of buildings
- List of building types
- List of football stadiums by capacity
- List of indoor arenas
- List of Roman amphitheatres
- List of stadiums
[edit] External links
- article "Amphitheatrum" (Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities)
- Caerleon amphitheatre
- Chester amphitheatre
- Chester Amphitheatre Panoramic Photo
- Pula amphitheatre
- Rome: Colosseum at LacusCurtius with Platner article
- Rome: Amphitheatrum Castrense
