External steps of the Roman amphitheatre in Pompeii. The building could accommodate up to 12,000 spectators (some give the number of 20,000), so it was necessary to provide an appropriate way to leave the building. In the arena, mainly gladiators and wild animals fights took place. The amphitheatre was “buried” as a result of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
The construction was probably built around 80 BCE. As the preserved inscription indicates, its construction was commissioned by senior officials Caius Quintus Valgus and Marcus Portius.
The preserved amphitheatre is one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman buildings, and the oldest amphitheatre.
