Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31522/p.28.2(60).1
Amphitheatre in Pula; Velarium
Attilio Krizmanić
Abstract
I wrote about the velarium system in 2016. I asserted then that, unlike any other amphitheatre in the world, the Amphitheatre in Pula (specifically its fourth level) boasts unique preserved stone details that provide insight into the construction of the Roman velaria. In this context the puzzling construction of summa cavea in ligneis with the associated decks on the fourth floor was finally solved. The emphasis is put on the velarium first due to its unique construction which completes the Amphitheatre. It consists not only of 84 wooden masts without backstays but also of the intertwined velaria ropes which serve to stretch and adjust the sails in relation to the current position of the sun or the direction, intensity and frequency of the prevailing winds and rainfall. There was a total of 84 masts as the main velarium carriers (68: 30´30 cm and 16: 18´20 cm), not 72 as often stated.
Keywords
amphitheatre; Antiquity; original condition; Pula; velarium
Hrčak ID:
248411
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2020.
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