An arena is a construction originating in Ancient Rome.
It is a circular ground surrounded with tiers which can reach vertiginous heights. Rome's Colosseum tiers stretch on 57 meters height. The arena and the tiers constitute an amphitheater.
The first amphitheaters were built in Ancient Rome – Rome's Colosseum dates from 29 B.-C. - and their purpose was to receive the emperor and the people to entertain them.

Circular tiers enabled then to see the entire show from whatever place. At that time, the most appreciated show was the gladiatorial combat. But various types of shows used to take place within an amphitheater: chariot racing, circus, animal hunting, executions, battle-ships – water was carried into the arena through viaducts.

Gladiators who are let in the arena know their sad fate. Many of them are slaves who were sold to entertain the emperor and for their flowing blood to appease the Manes. Augustus, first Roman Emperor had more than 10,000 gladiators under his command.
They were however put together with “civilian” gladiators who could defend themselves and fight in the arena. Fitted with a shield and an armor, catch-as-catch-can! They entered the arena under thundering applause by trapdoors.
Spartacus and the rebellious slaves did not manage to stop gladiatorial combats, which ended in the 5th century.

Arena is also the place where bullfighting takes place. It is a highly codified Spanish sport, which is said to glorify man in his fight against the bull. In southern France, there are numerous arenas. Today, it is still possible to admire Rome's Colosseum, built under Titus during the first century.