Today, we conclude our
splendid tour of Pompeii by finishing off with the Amphitheatre, Palaestra and
the vineyard.
The Amphitheatre
This structure lies to the south of the Via
dell’Abbondanza near the Sarno Gate. It was completed in 80 BC and is the
earliest surviving forerunner and prototype for later structure of its kind to
come (including the famous Coliseum of Rome). It was commissioned by two
magistrates, C. Quintus Valgus and M. Porcius, and measures about 135 x 104
metres and could accommodate around 20,000 people! Six metres deep below the ground is the area.
This is possibly where the animals and gladiators were kept for the show. It is
elliptical and surrounded by a parapet more than two metres high.
The Amphitheatre was used exclusively for
sports, gladiatorial contests and spectacles involving wild animals. These
shows would have been advertised by posters around Pompeii. The crowd loved the
show and several gladiators found themselves suddenly a centre of limelight, as
witnessed by the inscriptions. Support could be fanatical. During one
gladiatorial show arranged by Regulus in AD 59, a riot broke out between the
people of Pompeii and Nuceria. Taunts and abuses were exchanged, stones thrown
and then swords drawn. Many Nucerians were wounded or slaughtered. Regulus and
others held responsible for the riot were exiled. As a result, the Senate
forbade Pompeii from holding similar events for ten years. However, the order
was revoked three years later after the earthquake of AD 62.
The Large Palaestra
The large Palaestra is located at the south of the Via dell'Abbondanza in the eastern quarter
of the city next to the Amphitheatre. It
was built during the Augustan era and occupies an area of 140 x 105 metres. The
large size of this sport field was believed to have been in response to the
Emperor Augutus’ call to improve the physical condition of young upper class
men.
The Palaestra consisted of a central area for
sports surrounded by a high wall and a colonnade. In the centre of the sports
field was a large swimming pool measuring 34 x 22 metres. Several graffiti were
also found in the area. They reflect other activities other than those
connected with sports such as the school master complaining about his pay,
advice on choosing barber, references to gladiatorial shows etc. The Palaestra
proved to be a popular destination for those wishing to take a break, to eat
and to drink.
Vineyard
Lastly, to conclude our tour of this splendid
city, the tour guide took us to a vineyard where apparently people have been
cultivating grapes for wine production for 2,000 years! Grapes are still being
cultivated in the vineyard up to this day.
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