DOI: https://doi.org/10.58874/SAAT.2022.199
Abstract:In the ancient Rome, the shows entertained by gladiators were very numerous, due to the always growing request from the spectators. After the disuse of the amphitheaters, a wide number of philosophers, writers and poets have described the shows performed in these arenas. Nowadays, this type of shows represents a source of inspiration for books and movies. The Roman amphitheaters had an elliptical plan, which allow to enlarge the capacity of seats and to improve the view along the steps of the cavea. The development of Christianism established the immorality of the theatrical shows, while the barbaric invasions contributed to convert these places into military barracks, whenever they were not demolished. This study described the acoustic study of the amphitheater of Avella, found only a few decades ago by archaeologists. The geometrical characteristics of this amphitheatre are typical of other Roman ones built in Campania during the Imperial age. An acoustic survey is described to understand better the acoustic parameters and discuss its current possible usages.
Keywords:acoustic measurements, amphitheatre, Avella, arena, elliptical plan
Pages:163-166
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