Roman amphitheater

Oval or round building composed of an arena surrounded by tiers; it was used mainly to stage gladiator fights.

barrel vault

Arched masonry construction resting on posts.

Corinthian pilaster

Rectangular wall projection composed of a base and a capital decorated with acanthus leaves.

mast

Wooden post that extends and supports the velarium.

engaged Corinthian column

Slender column with a molded base and a capital decorated with acanthus leaves; it is partially incorporated into a wall.

engaged Ionic column

Slender column with a molded base and a capital with volutes; it is partially incorporated into a wall.

engaged Doric column

Squat column with no base and no sculpted capital; it is partially incorporated into a wall.

arcade

Passageway created by resting an arch on two posts.

tier

Stone seats arranged in levels, where spectators sat.

velarium

Awning suspended over the tiers to protect spectators from the Sun and the rain.

arena

Sand-covered wooden floor on which gladiators fought.