The amphitheatre, Rusellae, Etruria, Italy

Roselle’s northern hill is overlooked by the elliptical amphitheatre built in the 1st century A.D. This amphitheatre is a “full-structure” type with reticulated-work walls. It was built upon an ancient Etruscan ruin, as shown by the house next to the southern entrance, dated back to the 7th century B.C. The Amphitheatre has four entrances, two are uncovered while the others are barrel vaults. At its centre, on the major axis, it is possible to spot four stone blocks laid at regular distances. The function of these stones was to support the Velarium (an awning used in Roman times to provide protection from the weather). The arena stretches for almost 40 meters and is 25 meters wide; the cavea is 7 meters deep and it had eight rows of steps and a seating capacity of 1,200 people.