amphitheater
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ancient amphitheater
An open, usually oval or round ancient structure with tiered rows of seats, used for public events such as gladiator fights.
Das Kolosseum in Rom ist das berühmteste Amphitheater der Welt.
The Colosseum in Rome is the most famous amphitheater in the world.
modern amphitheater
A modern event venue or lecture hall with tiered rows of seats that allow a good view of a stage or speaking area.
Die Vorlesung findet im großen Amphitheater der Universität statt.
The lecture is taking place in the university's large amphitheater.
The word comes from Greek. The prefix 'amphi-' means 'on both sides' or 'around', and 'Theater' (theater) is a performance space. An amphitheater is therefore a place where the spectators sit around the central stage.
Viele römische Städte hatten ein eigenes Amphitheater für öffentliche Spiele.
Many Roman cities had their own amphitheater for public games.
To distinguish location and direction, different cases are used. 'Wir gehen ins Amphitheater' (we are going into the amphitheater, accusative) describes movement toward it, while 'Die Veranstaltung findet im Amphitheater statt' (the event takes place in the amphitheater, dative) describes the location.
Die Touristen gingen ins Amphitheater, um die Architektur zu bewundern.
The tourists went into the amphitheater to admire the architecture.
The context reveals whether an ancient or modern building is meant. Words like 'römisch' (Roman), 'antik' (ancient), or 'Gladiatoren' (gladiators) point to the historical meaning. Terms like 'Universität' (university), 'Vorlesung' (lecture), or 'Konzert' (concert) indicate a modern event venue.
Im alten Amphitheater von Pula finden heute im Sommer Konzerte statt.
Concerts are held in the old amphitheater of Pula in the summer today.
arena
For events in antiquity, Amphitheater refers to the entire structure with its ascending rows of seats. Arena, by contrast, refers only to the central fighting area inside that structure. Amphitheater is therefore appropriate for the building, while Arena is appropriate for the area where the fights took place.
Die Zuschauer strömten durch die Eingänge in das große Amphitheater.
The spectators streamed through the entrances into the large amphitheater.
Die Gladiatoren betraten die sandbedeckte Arena durch ein großes Tor.
The gladiators entered the sand-covered arena through a large gate.
