The amphitheater of Pompeii, although built over two thousand years ago, is still important to civilization today. For one, due to the fact that the amphitheater is still intact and in remarkable condition, many historians can use the amphitheater to gain insight into a few of the architectural and engineering feats of the ancient Roman empire. Even in ancient times, the amphitheater represented a land mark in architecture as the amphitheater remains the “earliest known permanent stone amphitheater in Italy (and the rest of the Roman world)” (Berry 1).
Aside from architectural contributions, the amphitheater is located in the ancient city of Pompeii, a popular tourist site in Italy. In fact, it is estimated that the remarkable city “draws up to 2.6 million visitors year” (Walljasper 1). This represents a colossal contribution to today’s humanities, as the amphitheater is viewed by millions, many of which are looking into the ancient world for the first time. This amphitheater, although dated, still has an affect on today’s perception of the ancient world.
Furthermore, the amphitheater is still used today for major events. For example, Pink Floyd held a concert in the ancient amphitheater in 1971 (“Pink Floyd’s Classics” 1). The amphitheater, used for entertainment in ancient times, is still being used for entertainment today and is therefore still important to society.
Moreover, the amphitheater is mentioned in several ancient literary works, such as the Annales of Tacitus (Jacobelli 106). In the accounts, the story of the riot of AD 59 is retold. This riot between Pompeii and nearby Nuceria resulted in a ten year ban of the games in Pompeii by emperor Nero (Penelope 2). The inclusion of the amphitheater in these works allows historians today to draw from said literary works to understand more of the ancient culture. In short, although extremely old, the amphitheater of Pompeii is still important, even today, to the humanities and modern civilization.
Aside from architectural contributions, the amphitheater is located in the ancient city of Pompeii, a popular tourist site in Italy. In fact, it is estimated that the remarkable city “draws up to 2.6 million visitors year” (Walljasper 1). This represents a colossal contribution to today’s humanities, as the amphitheater is viewed by millions, many of which are looking into the ancient world for the first time. This amphitheater, although dated, still has an affect on today’s perception of the ancient world.
Furthermore, the amphitheater is still used today for major events. For example, Pink Floyd held a concert in the ancient amphitheater in 1971 (“Pink Floyd’s Classics” 1). The amphitheater, used for entertainment in ancient times, is still being used for entertainment today and is therefore still important to society.
Moreover, the amphitheater is mentioned in several ancient literary works, such as the Annales of Tacitus (Jacobelli 106). In the accounts, the story of the riot of AD 59 is retold. This riot between Pompeii and nearby Nuceria resulted in a ten year ban of the games in Pompeii by emperor Nero (Penelope 2). The inclusion of the amphitheater in these works allows historians today to draw from said literary works to understand more of the ancient culture. In short, although extremely old, the amphitheater of Pompeii is still important, even today, to the humanities and modern civilization.