Which arena would have been used most during Caligula's reign?

[quo-vadis50]

Trying to do some research, and I'm curious-- which arena/ampitheater would have been used most for "spectacles" during Caligula's reign? The Colisseum wasn't around yet. Would it have been Circus Maximus, or some other less ostentatious place?

[Primus Pilus]

Trying to do some research, and I'm curious-- which arena/ampitheater would have been used most for "spectacles" during Caligula's reign? The Colisseum wasn't around yet. Would it have been Circus Maximus, or some other less ostentatious place?

 

Temporary arenas were established during regular festivals and were constructed of wood so that they were disposable. The forum was one popular location. The Circus could be pressed into service for massive events. A semi permanent structure was built in the Campius Martius during the reign of Augustus as well.

 

From the William Smith Dictionary on Ampitheatrum, you should find the following most useful pertaining to Caligula.

 

It was not, however, till the fourth consulship of Augustus, B.C. 30, that a more durable amphitheatre, of stone, was erected by Statilius Taurus, in the Campus Martius (Dion Cass. LI.23; Suet. Octav. 29; Tac. Ann. III.72; Strab. v. p236). But, since this building was destroyed by fire, it must be supposed that only the shell was of stone, and the seats and staircases of wood. This edifice was the only one of the kind until the building of the Flavian amphitheatre. It did not satisfy Caligula, who commenced an amphitheatre near the Septa; but the work was not continued by Claudius (Dion Cass. LIX.10; Suet. Cal. 18, 21).

[quo-vadis50]

Trying to do some research, and I'm curious-- which arena/ampitheater would have been used most for "spectacles" during Caligula's reign? The Colisseum wasn't around yet. Would it have been Circus Maximus, or some other less ostentatious place?

 

Temporary arenas were established during regular festivals and were constructed of wood so that they were disposable. The forum was one popular location. The Circus could be pressed into service for massive events. A semi permanent structure was built in the Campius Martius during the reign of Augustus as well.

 

From the William Smith Dictionary on Ampitheatrum, you should find the following most useful pertaining to Caligula.

 

It was not, however, till the fourth consulship of Augustus, B.C. 30, that a more durable amphitheatre, of stone, was erected by Statilius Taurus, in the Campus Martius (Dion Cass. LI.23; Suet. Octav. 29; Tac. Ann. III.72; Strab. v. p236). But, since this building was destroyed by fire, it must be supposed that only the shell was of stone, and the seats and staircases of wood. This edifice was the only one of the kind until the building of the Flavian amphitheatre. It did not satisfy Caligula, who commenced an amphitheatre near the Septa; but the work was not continued by Claudius (Dion Cass. LIX.10; Suet. Cal. 18, 21).

 

 

Thanks for the info!

[phil25]

I think it was Gaius who established the Vatican amphitheatre in his (mother's?) gardens.

 

Gladiatorial combats could take place either in the Great Circus (Circus maximus) or in the Forum Romanum, which was capable of being covered over with awnings.

 

Phil