Description of the amphitheatre and the underground aera

A complex architecture

Once inside, there was seating capacity for nearly 24,000 spectators thanks to the 34 rows of “cavea” (terraces), which were supported by semi-circular vaults.
Under these vaults, five circular galleries and 162 stairwells and “vomitoires” (corridors leading to the terraces) enabled spectators to rapidly access their seats. The games, gladiator fights and Venatio (animal hunts) were open to everyone. They were laid on for the people of the town and its surrounding area by the high dignitaries and magistrates of the “civitas”. 
 

The preserved social order

Thanks to numerous inscriptions that are now preserved at the archaeological museum, we know, for example, that the boatmen of the Rhone and the Saone had seats reserved for their corporation.
The lowest terraces (the “imma cavea”) were reserved for the honestiores, i.e. the town’s dignitaries and important people.
The town’s citizens were seated in the intermediary terraces (the ‘media cavea’) and the ordinary people and slaves watched the combats from the upper terraces (the ‘summa cavea’).

Slides and decoration

The amphitheatre was designed so that everyone had an unrestricted view of the whole arena.
Several galleries were located beneath the arena, and were accessed by trap doors and a hoist-lift system. As a result, the decorative effects, animals and gladiators could access the arena during the games.

Cross of Colisée