On one side of the building is a statue of a bullfighter. The bullfights are presented during festival periods. There are two types fought here. The traditional, bloody, Spanish Corridas, where the bull is killed and the Provençal Course Camarguaise, where he is not. In the latter, the idea is to remove a rosette of flowers from the bull's head with a hand-held hook. However there is still the possibility of bloodshed, but from the bullfighter, not the bull.
The Amphitheatre seats 2300-24 spectators seated in 34 tiers of seats. During Roman times one was seated by social position. The highest ranks were positioned under awnings to shade them from the sun. The sockets and masts to which the awnings were held are still in place. In 1988 a removable covering was installed so the stadium could be used in winter.
On an amusing note, while I was in the amphitheatre I saw an inordinate number of signs that said "Vomitoria". Knowing about the upper class Romans penchant for eating and then throwing-up, I thought these signs meant," Vomit Here." I was quite surprised at the inappropriateness and number of the locations. It was disgusting just to think about it. It wasn't until researching this article, that I realized the signs meant it was way to the Exit through the many convenient stairways and corridors. People were literally vomited out of the stadium. It was built for a very easy and quick exit.
Throughout it's history, the Amphitheatre had many incarnations. It was used as a fortress, from the 7th century to approx 1226. During this time houses, a palace and two churches were built inside. They were demolished between1786-1809 and restoration work commenced. With its splendid facade of two levels of arches, the amphitheatre is an awesome monument to an earlier time.
La Maison Carree (Square House)
Maison Caree is another example of classic Roman architecture. It was built to honor the grandson and adopted son of the emperor Augustas Caesar. It is estimated that the temple was built about 3 to 5 AD, because of an inscription in the temple:
"To Caius Caesar, son of Augustus, Consul; to Lucius Caesar, son of Augustus, Consul designate; to the princes of youth."
These names confirm the dates.
The temple is elegant with its classical columns and timeless beauty. Just to climb the stairs and see up close the awesome Roman columns with their ornate capitals and the carved ceiling is worth the short climb. Inside the temple it is rather plain but you will find either an art exhibit or a museum with the history of the building itself
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Mary Ellen Bradshaw's Virtual Journeys topic, please visit the Discussions page.