Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
And there was plenty of blood. Imagine this scene in the days of the gladiators. More
than 25,000 cheering fans from all social classes filled the seats. The Romans made these
spectacles cheap or even free—distracting commoners with a steady diet of mindless en-
tertainment prevented discontent and rebellion. (Hmm...
The Voice,
anyone?) Canvas awn-
ings rigged around the top of the amphitheater shaded many seats. The fans surrounded the
“slaying field,” which was covered with sand to absorb blood spilled by man and beast,
making it easier to clean up after the fight. This sand
(harena)
gave the amphitheater its
nickname...arena.
