Pompeii, the ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., along with Herculaneum, Oplonti and Stabia remained buried for centuries under the thick blanket of ash and lapilli erupted by that terrible volcano until 1978.
An incredible city that gives a glimpse into the daily life that animated the cities of ancient Rome before that tragic day.
A city that despite being imprisoned for centuries under piles of volcanic materials has allowed the discovery, thanks to the activity of archaeologists, of important buildings and monuments. One among all, the most appreciated and visited is undoubtedly the amphitheater. The oldest in the entire Roman world so far unearthed.
A perfectly preserved site that tells stories of the shows, games and entertainment that kept the inhabitants of this ancient city spellbound.
Built around 70 B.C. it was used for games and fights between gladiators that so appealed to the ancient Pompeians that they were advertised with graffiti on the facades of houses. But not only was it also used for theatrical performances, comedies, ceremonies and athletic games.
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The gladiator fights
A favorite activity of all Pompeiians that took place in the Amphitheater was gladiatorial combat. These daring warriors competed in sandy arenas, armed with swords, shields, and other traditional weapons, to the death or pardon of their opponent.
Gladiatorial fights were tense events and attracted large crowds of enthusiastic spectators who vigorously supported one or another gladiator. They were publicized through posters posted on the houses and streets of Pompeii so that as many people as possible could participate and support the brave warriors.
The fights were often elaborately organized, with one-on-one fights or even group battles.
In some cases these fights took place for celebratory purposes in honor of the death of a distinguished person. Gladiators, in fact, would challenge each other to pay homage to the soul of a deceased person. But over time this ritual was lost and the shows continued only as a form of entertainment.
Pompeian Ludi
It is no coincidence that precisely in honor of these important fights that used to take place inside the Amphitheater, the Pompeii Archaeological Park has revived “The Pompeian Ludi,” which already took place in the days of ancient Pompeii. And which was aimed at training a gladiator in a real fight.
The Pompeian ludi will be held on Sunday, April 7, and then on May 19 and September 8. It will be possible to participate in this event, in which gladiators dressed, armed and equipped with gladius exactly as they did 2000 years ago, will simulate a fight among themselves.
Thus, they will reenact the spectacles the ancient Pompeians witnessed during the fights in the amphitheater and will also reproduce the training of Roman legionnaires.
Tickets to attend the event cost €5.00 (plus the cost of admission to the archaeological park), free for children under 6, and can be purchased on the official Ticketone.it website or directly at the ticket office.
Wild animal fights
Another activity that fascinated audiences in the Pompeii Amphitheater was hunting beasts. Wild animals, such as bears, were brought into the arena to fight against the hunters or each other. These spectacles offered a combination of danger, adrenaline and entertainment, with skilled hunters trying to prove their prowess in facing the ferocious beasts. Contrary to popular belief, no lions or tigers were used, as in other Roman amphitheaters.
As for Pompeii, there was no adequate protection in the arena for spectators, which enjoyed a parapet only 2.18 m high, and this could expose the audience to the risk of any attack by these ferocious animals.
Theatrical performances and ceremonies
Pompeii’s Amphitheater, however, was not only the stage for shows of violence and battles; it also hosted theatrical performances. These productions included tragedies, comedies, and pantomimes, with actors performing in front of large audiences. The theatrical performances offered a more sophisticated and intellectual alternative to gladiatorial combat, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the world of acting and drama. But not only in the Amphitheater were ceremonies, processions, political speeches, religious celebrations, and athletic games also celebrated.
In short, the amphitheater represented an important meeting point for the community of Pompeii. Where citizens could gather and participate in events of social, political and cultural significance. In this way they could escape the daily routine, enjoy moments of leisure and participate in an experience that reflected the culture and values of the Roman Empire.
