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Highlands Ranch High School - Mr. Sedivy
Highlands Ranch, Colorado



Ancient City of Pompeii

Arcaded Court of the Gladiators, Amphitheatre,
and the Necropolis at Nocera

 

After 62 A.D. the Arcaded Court was changed into a barracks for gladiators. Weapons were discovered in at least ten rooms, some of which were quite splendid and were undoubtedly intended to be used on parade. Typical helmets, with the top part folded back similar to modern German helmets, had moveable visors that left only the eyes unprotected. The helmets were then covered by a metal mesh. Hilts of swords, leg coverings, and the helmets are all decorated with scenes depicting Greek mythology.

Arcade of the Gladiators
Arcaded Court of the Gladiators

The Amphitheatre was built in 80 B.C. and is considered the oldest known amphitheatre.The arena is at a lower level than the surrounding area and there are no underground passages. There are two main entrances to the arena and the lower level, and the upper levels were reached by external stairways with two ramps.

Amphitheatre of Pompeii
The Amphitheatre at Pompeii

Spectators entered the Amphitheatre through a vaulted gallery, also known as a crypt, that ran under the end seats of the "media cavea" (middle seating area). At the extreme ends, two well-paved passages for carts and carriages lead directly into the arena. The Amphitheatre also had a linen velarium (large canopy) to protect the visitors from the sun and the heat.

Necropolis of Porta Nocera
Necropolis of Porta Nocera

Pompeii had a necropolis (cemetery) outside of every gate. The tombs at the Necropolis of Porta Nocera were probably built during the last republican period or during the Imperal age (Julius-Claudius) and are marked by inscriptions and funeral statues made of marble or tuff. In 59 A.D., the same year that Nero killed his mother, Agrippina, there was a fight in the Amphitheatre between Pompeians and Nocerians, resulting in a massacre.

After Nero referred the fact to the Senate, it was decided to ban all similar spectacles for ten years. Those who had provoked the massacre were sent into exile, and associations that were formed against these laws were ordered to disband.


Historical Background of Pompeii - I

Background of Pompeii - II

Entrance to the Ruins and Roads of Pompeii - III

The Forum and Basilica - IV

Temples of Apollo, Isis, and Jupiter - V

Water Supply and the Baths of Pompeii - VI

Pompeii's Mills, Bakery, Laundry, and Brothel - VII

House of the Faun, House of the Vettii,
House of the Large Fountain, and
The House of the Silver Wedding - VIII

House of Marcus Lucretius Fronto,
House of Trebius Valens, House of Loreius Tibertinus,
And the Villa of the Mysteries - IX

Court of the Gladiators, Amphitheatre, and
The Necropolis of Porta Nocera - X

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Highlands Ranch High School 9375 South Cresthill Lane Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126 303-471-7000

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