Interieur van het amfitheater van Pompeï c. 1870 - 1900

Giorgio Sommer made this photograph of the interior of the amphitheater of Pompeii in the 19th century. In this image, the grass growing in the arena speaks to the collapse of the social order that the arena once represented. Roman amphitheaters were public spaces where displays of power and entertainment were carefully choreographed for citizens. These spectacles were integral to maintaining social control and reinforcing hierarchies. Sommer's photograph captures the ruin of this architecture. It reminds us how even the most durable symbols of authority can be undermined by social and natural forces. The image invites us to reflect on the transient nature of human power. Understanding this photograph requires us to consult archaeological records and historical accounts of Pompeii. These resources provide insight into the arena's original function and its significance within Roman society. Considering the historical context allows us to appreciate how photography can capture not just a physical space, but also its complex history.