as lost in the battles. It is also rumored that the floor had a complicated set of drains installed after completion under the reign of Domitian. These could be opened to allow for draining. Often not only the seas of blood had to be washed away, but also hundreds of gallons of water if the amphitheater was used for a mock naval battle. The floor covered an area of 290 feet by 180 feet. It was surrounded by a 15-foot wall used to protect the spectators from the wild animals. The wall was made of a wire mesh that was carried on poles and spiked with elephant tusks. The top of the mesh was then covered with ivory rollers that curved outward so that the animals could not get a foothold and then jump into the spectators. To be on the safe side, there were also always archers posted in the bottom tiers to shoot animals or men if needed. Underneath of the arena floor was a complicated set of mazes, rooms and passageways. On this basement level were cages that stored the animals, gladiators, and prisoners. Fake scenery objects and other obstacles that may be needed in a battle were also kept here. A complex system of man-operated elevators was created to get the men and animals to the arena floor above. Underneath the main arena several emperors also had secret entrances created so that they could flee the amphitheater if any unexpected disasters occurred. The Flavian Amphitheater was famed for its great organization. It had eighty entrances, and had a seating capacity that held 45,000 people. This, added to standing room, created an amphitheater that could accommodate up to 60,000 people. The Flavian Amphitheater was a microcosm to Roman society. The seating arrangements represented the social classes of the people. The emperor not only had a special box seat for himself, but he also had separate entrances that could only be used by his associates. Senators and other public figures also had their own separate sections. The first level also he...
