, or mountains, that were placed on the arena floor to turn the battle into an elusive game of cat and mouse. Usually during the middle of a day of games an intermission of sorts would occur. During this time hundreds of men would be marched out onto the floor, and a mass execution would occur in front of the public. This became increasingly popular in the time of the persecution of Christians. The tradition of these types of executions was carried on until 438 AD when gladiatorial fighting was abolished. At that point fights still occurred, but they would only involve animals. Another popular event was the naval battles. Often the floor would be flooded, and real naval ships would be released into the arena floor/lake. Here the ships equipped with soldiers would engage in a realistic naval battle. Citizens could come to the Flavian Amphitheater and see a battle that was impossible to see anywhere else. The Flavian Amphitheater differed from that of other public amphitheaters because of its special features. In the middle of the day incense would be lit and a special system of sprinklers, that held scented water, would be turned on. These devices masked the great stench of death, and the public odor of the crowds in tight spaces in the great heat. An awning was also constructed to protect the citizens from heat stroke. This awning was operated by a special set of sailors who were sent up from a naval base and were trained in the efficient operation of its opening and closing depending on the conditions outside. Oversized doors, known as vomitoria, could also be found at convenient spots for use by those who wished to relieve themselves of heavy foods consumed during the day. These special features all helped make the Flavian Amphitheater to be remembered not only as the first permanent amphitheater but a one of a kind venue of the times. The Flavian Amphitheater saw its last battle in 523 under Theodoric, King of Ostrogoths. They had to...
