Chap. IV.

ROMAN.

10 >

sixth of the whole, or a little less than an English acre. It has been estimated that 500,000tons of material were used in the construction of this amphitheatre. Each of the threelower stories has 80 arches ; and medals show that the two upper ranges were decoratedwith statues. In the year 1813 the arena was excavated, when substantial walls, finelyworked with pepperino stone, were discovered, that had supported the timber floor: theywere formed into corridors and receptacles for wild animals collected for the shows.

The podium, surrounding the arena, was of a sufficient height to protect the spectatorsfrom attack of the animals : from thence to the summit were steps or seats of marble, whichwere 17 inches in height, and about a foot or 13 inches in width.

Fig. 125. coliseum •

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Five corridors of communication extended round the building ; the two outer formed ofopen arches, which, as well as the piers, were constructed of travertine stone; the wholepaved with thick travertine slabs, extending nearly 6 feet beyond the face of the outerwall. From the inner corridor arose two varieties of staircases, which conducted to theIonic range : from the third corridor other staircases also conducted to the same level.

Fig IW.

COLISEUM.