![]() The amphitheater at Pula differs from the rest in that it features four rectangular towers that had been included into the outer wall mantle. The ropes that were extended between the exterior masts and the interior metal ring carried the tarpaulin. Located on the other end, above the edges of the arena, was a metal ring supported with vertical masts. ![]() Wooden masts carrying the tarpaulin went through the special openings on the stone gutter. In case of bad weather the auditorium was covered with a tarpaulin, using a system consisting of sets of pulleys and ropes. It served as storage for cages that housed the beasts, and for various technical tools used in the organization of the spectacles. Located underneath the fighting ring was an auxiliary subterranean chamber that was for the most part carved out of bedrock and partially masoned up to the necessary height. The oval shape of the fighting ring was ideal for processions, line-ups, and the development of fighting strategies as well as the advancement and retreat of armed combat groups. The fighting ring ( arena) situated in the middle of the amphitheater measures 67.9 meters alongside its longer axis, and 41.6 meters along the shorter one. The potential danger of erosion and sliding land due to rainwater was lessened with the construction of a system of channels for dealing with unwanted rainwater. The cornice at the top of the second story supported the square podia with rectangular hollows for the insertion of wooden masts that topped the amphitheater. The third story belonged to an oval, ring-shaped gallery that was roofed with a slanting roof consisting of ceramic tegulae and imbrices, which unlike both inferior stories opened to the outside with 64 square windows. The second story of the auditorium was masoned along the entire circumference of the amphitheater and opens up into 72 semi-circular arcades. It was on this side that the main entrance into the fighting ring was likewise located. The entrance on the southern end of the longer axis of the amphitheater was the most important one because it faced the city. Located in the main axis on the outer mantle of the amphitheater, are arches measuring 4 m in width, which are larger than the rest, accentuating thus the main entrances ( portae pompae). ![]() Built on the slope of a hillock, on the western side facing towards the sea, the amphitheater at Pula has four floors - the raised foundations with entrances and three stories, whereas in its eastern section it lies on a naturally elevated terrain, the masoned part of the structure being, hence, considerably lower: only the two upper stories rise from the ground. It is estimated that it could receive approximately 23,000 spectators. The amphitheater was erected in Tuscan style, covering an area of 11, 466 m 2. The two central axes of the outer wall mantle of the amphitheater at Pula measure 132.5 and 105.1 m, and its maximum height measures 32.45 m. It is believed that construction works began already during the period of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD), and that they were financed by funds from the central state treasury of the Roman imperial government. The amphitheater is located approximately 200 meters to the northeast outside of the city walls of Pula, in accordance with the Roman land division grid.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |