Interieur van het amfitheater in Pompeï c. 1860 - 1900

Giorgio Sommer captured this photograph of the amphitheater in Pompeii, a memento of a civilization frozen in time. The arena, a crucible of spectacle and strife, stands as a powerful symbol of Roman society, reminiscent of life and death. Consider the enduring motif of the amphitheater. Its circular design, meant to host sports, games, and spectacles, evokes the cyclical nature of human drama, echoing the arenas of Nîmes and Arles. Arenas like these were originally built for gladiatorial fights and beast hunts, yet as time progressed, they began to be used as public meeting places. These circular structures have reappeared in arenas throughout history, each time adapted to its cultural context. The emotional resonance of such a space—where life and death were public displays—cannot be overstated. The collective memory of these events stirs a deep, subconscious recognition of our shared human experiences. This cycle of symbolism isn't linear; it spirals, resurfacing with new layers of meaning, constantly engaging with our deepest fears and fascinations.