The Stadium Of Domitian

The Stadium of Domitian was commissioned by Emperor Titus around 80 A.D. as part of a program to help rebuild after the fire in 79 A.D. The Stadium of Domitian is the first masonry stadium in Roman history and the only one. The Stadium was commissioned by the Emperor, Titus Flavius Domitianus to be Rome’s first permanent space for athletic competitions. Before the Stadium of Domitian was built athletic events occurred in wooden stadiums which were torn down after the competition. It was used for equestrian contests along with athletic contests, mostly foot races. The Stadium was later used for horse training and horse racing in the medieval times.
Throughout time the Stadium’s name changed multiply times and is currently known as Piazza Navona or known to be “under” the Piazza Navona, like a basement. After a flood Pope IV had the Stadium paved over in order to build the Navona Square, a market place in the 15th century. There were many
The style of the stadium is similar to that of the Coliseum. The plan for the Stadium was in the same u-shape as the Circus Maximus just on a smaller scale. Since it’s layout is from Greek architecture the Stadium of Domitian is also known as Circus Agonalis. The Stadium of Domititan was built on the campus Martius. In 217 the Colosseum was harmed so for many years gladiators fought in the Stadium of Domitian in place of the Colosseum.
The Stadium of Domitian’s frame and a majority of her structures were made out of bricks and concrete along with marble. The Stadium resembled the Colosseum, but had an elongated U- shape. The arena is approximately 200/250 meters long and 30 meters in height. The stadium was almost strictly used for athletic contests. The athletic contests in Ancient Rome closely resembled those of Ancient Greece. The Roman contests were those of physical strength and endurance. Chariot racing was the most popular of Roman sports and