Capua's Ancient Amphitheater: A Roman Landmark of Historic Significance
Among the grandiose amphitheaters of the ancient Roman world, the Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum, reigns supreme in size and renown. Yet, preceding its grandeur lies the lesser-known but equally significant Amphitheater of Capua, nestled in the heart of Italy's ancient city of Capua.This elliptical marvel, situated in what is now Santa Maria Capua Vetere, once stood as a testament to Roman engineering prowess and entertainment extravagance. While not as famed as its colossal successor, the Amphitheater of Capua holds the honor of being the oldest known stone amphitheater, predating even the illustrious Colosseum.
Photo: Nicola D'Orta/Wikimedia
Among the grandiose amphitheaters of the ancient Roman world, the Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum, reigns supreme in size and renown. Yet, preceding its grandeur lies the lesser-known but equally significant Amphitheater of Capua, nestled in the heart of Italy's ancient city of Capua.
This elliptical marvel, situated in what is now Santa Maria Capua Vetere, once stood as a testament to Roman engineering prowess and entertainment extravagance. While not as famed as its colossal successor, the Amphitheater of Capua holds the honor of being the oldest known stone amphitheater, predating even the illustrious Colosseum.
With dimensions rivaling its Roman counterpart, the Amphitheater of Capua stretches 170 meters along its major axis and 139 meters along its minor axis. Its facade, rising to a height of 46 meters, boasted four levels adorned with Doric and Tuscan architectural elements. Seventy arches, adorned with busts of deities, graced the lower three levels, while the upper level featured a wall punctuated by pilasters and windows.
Within its confines, the arena mirrored the dimensions of the Colosseum, measuring 76.29 meters long by 45.93 meters wide. Beneath the arena's surface lay a labyrinthine network of brick pillars, supporting vaults that housed service galleries, freight elevators, and cages for wild animals.
Photo: Fabiobranno/Wikimedia
Not merely a venue for spectacle, the Amphitheater of Capua was a marvel of hydraulic engineering. Its complex sewer system transformed the arena into a colossal impluvium, channeling water collected from the cavea to an external cistern. Meanwhile, an aqueduct ensured a steady water supply for maintenance.Capable of accommodating between 45,000 and 50,000 spectators, the amphitheater boasted seating tiers divided into low, middle, and high sections. To manage the vast crowds, architects incorporated a double gallery for peripheral circulation, a feature shared only with the Colosseum.
Beyond its architectural splendor, the Amphitheater of Capua held historical significance as the site of the Roman world's first and most renowned gladiator school, owned by lanista Lentulo Batiato. It was here that Spartacus, the famed gladiator-turned-rebel, purportedly led a revolt in 73 BC.
Above Amphitheater undergrounds. Photo: Saverio.G/Wikimedia
_27.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Dom De Felice e Carla Nunziata/Wikimedia
Comments
Post a Comment