“Could’ve knocked me over with a feather” — heh. Caligula, ep 13...
HBO’s “Rome” series showed the small fighting arenas (more like cage fighting is today) current in the pre-Flavian centuries. The “Spectacula” amphitheater in Pompeii (built around 70 BC, buried in 79 AD) is an example of an early larger version.
Rome also had the Circus Maximus, which dated from the Etruscan monarchy period, but wasn’t rebuilt in stone until after a fire in the time of Augustus. Before that, the seating was akin to modern bleachers, and since none of the later seating appears to have survived, while some of the riser structures have, its possible that even after the rebuilding in stone, the bleachers were of wood construction.
Next time you watch the series, think “Circus Maximus” (Augustus had a special box built for the imperial family). :^)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_Maximus#Imperial_era
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphitheatre_of_Pompeii
I did not know that the Circus Maximus dated from the Etruscan monarchy period. Interesting. I wish they’d find some more on Rome’s golden age and the Etruscans as well in those charred rolls being figured out in Pompeii.
I always wonder what Caligula would’ve thought of John Hurt’s interpretation of him. Certainly Hurt was loveable, (not so much ole’ Gaius Caligula).