in antiquity, a spacious edifice, built either round or oval, with a number of rising seats, upon which the people used to behold the combats of gladiators, of wild beasts, and other sports.

Amphitheatres were at first only of wood; and it was not till the reign of Augustus, that Statilius Taurus built one, for the first time, of stone. The lowest part was of an oval figure, and called arena, because, for the conveniency of the combatants, it was usually strewed with sand; and round the arena were vaults tiled caves, in which were confined the wild beasts appointed for the shows.

Above the caves was erected a large circular peristyle, or podium, adorned with columns. This was the place of the emperors, senators, and other persons of distinction.

The rows of benches were above the podium. Their figure was circular; and they were entered by avenues, at the end of which were gates, called vomitories.

The most perfect remains we now have of amphitheatres, are that of Vespasian, called the coliseum, that at Verona in Italy, and that at Nîmes in Languedoc.

in gardening, a temple erected on a rising ground, of a semicircular figure. These amphitheatres are formed of evergreens, observing always to plant the shortest growing trees in the front, and the tallest behind. They are also made of slopes on the sides of hills, and covered with turf, being formerly esteemed great ornaments in gardens; but they are now generally excluded, as the natural slope of such hills is, to persons of true taste, far more beautiful than the stiff angular slopes of these amphitheatres.