Abstract des Autors

Contents: I. The eclipse of conventional theatre by bloodsports; II. The need for a building specifically designed for gladiatorial combat and beast-hunts; III. The disadvantages of the forum as an arena; IV. Gladiatorial barracks and animal pens (vivaria) in towns; V. Standard design features of a Roman amphitheatre; VI. Design features of amphitheatres at Pompeii, Nimes, Rome; VII. Protection against animals and gladiators in the arena; VIII. The safety of arena-attendants; IX. Emperors who turned spectators into spectacles; X. Spectator riots in amphitheatres; XI. Spectator comforts: awnings (vela) water-sprinklers (sparsiones); XII. Lunch-breaks, toilet facilities; XIII. The structural soundness of amphitheatres; XIV. Conclusion: violence at soccer games and at gladiatorial combats.