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 convenience of the combatants, it was usually firewood with sand; and round the arena were vaults styled *castra*, in which were confined the wild beasts appointed for the shows.

Above the cavea 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 *vomitoria*. 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.