Athena Review Image Archive ™
Syracuse: Roman amphitheater, detail of substructure
Syracuse: Roman amphitheater substructure (Photo: Athena Review 2004)
The Roman amphitheater was built in 21-20 BC. Around it was a wall seven feet high. Beneath the first tier was a vaulted corridor with eight gates opening on the arena, for beasts and gladiators
At center is a rectangular subterranean structure, or cistern, called a naumachia, used to house the scenic machinery for the spectacles performed in the amphitheater, which may have included mock naval battles.
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