Stadiums were extremely important places for people living in ancient times. Because ancient stadiums were not only buildings that housed various sports organizations.
People of ancient times sometimes went to stadiums to witness the struggle for survival of the strongest warriors of society, sometimes to watch the fierce rivalries that continue on the field as well as off the field, and sometimes to honor the gods.
Panathinaiko Stadium
Panathinaiko Stadium, one of the most important buildings of ancient times, was built for the first time in 330 BC. However, with the expansion works around 140 BC, its capacity was increased to 50 thousand people and it was completely rebuilt using white marble. Even today, Panathinaiko Stadium is the only stadium built entirely with white marble.
Circus Maximus
Horse-drawn chariot racing was the most popular sport of the Roman Empire. Circus Maximus, on the other hand, was no different from a stage where the most important competitions in this dangerous sport took place. Built in the valley located between the Aventine and Palatine hills in Rome, the stadium had a length of 600 meters and a width of 80 meters. Dec. At the same time, more than 200 thousand Roman citizens could follow the races at the stadium from anywhere.
Built in a rectangular shape, there was a long structure called “spina” right in the middle of the stadium. On the other hand, there were many monuments and statues symbolizing the power and dominance of the Roman Empire on the structure.
Delphi Stadium
Delphi, one of the most important stadiums of ancient Greece, was built at the highest point of the Delphi archaeological site.
In addition, the earliest examples of the “protocol grandstand” found in almost all modern stadiums also appeared at the Delphi Stadium. The stadium had specially built seating for the elite of Ancient Greece.
Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum was built in 80 A.D. on the site of the destroyed palace of the former emperor Nero. Limestone, tuff, brick and concrete were used in its construction.
The magnificent stadium of the glorious empire had the capacity to accommodate 80 thousand spectators at the same time and hosted horse-drawn carriage races, gladiatorial battles, crowded execution ceremonies and theatrical plays.
In addition, the magnificent design of the stadium also allowed thousands of people to enter and exit at the same time without any problems.
Amphitheater of Pompeii
Pompeii, one of the most magnificent cities of ancient times, was also the center of very interesting entertainment, sports competitions and gladiatorial battles.
The Amphitheater of Pompeii was filled with a huge number of thematic frescoes depicting bloody gladiatorial battles
However, the stairs of the stadium were also built in a style that was not found in its counterpart in ancient times.
The post The World’s 5 Most Impressive Stadiums Built in Ancient Times appeared first on NSF - Magazine.