- The Velarium was an awning formed by sails, that stretched out from the top of the Colosseum in Rome, in order to keep the sun and rain off the spectators.
- Sailors from both Imperial Fleets, the Classis Misenensis and the Classis Ravennas, operated the ‘Velarium’ in the Colosseum.
Description
- The Velarium was a screen to protect the spectators from the sun and rain, and consisted of sails that extended outwards along poles pulled by ropes using a Block and Tackle.
- Above the last row of seats was a parapet with supports for 240 masts. From here the sailors monitored the extension of the sails.
- The 240 masts around the Colosseum supported ropes attached to a circular cable in the centre of the Colosseum.
- Winches on the ground outside the Colosseum hauled the ropes through pulleys attached to the masts, which raised the entire rope network. At the same time this extended the sails towards the circular cable in the centre.
- The arena of the Colosseum was left in a disc of bright sunlight, spotlighting the drama in the sand below.
- Many of the Theatres and Amphitheatres in the Roman Provinces also protected their spectators with Velaria (plural of Velarium).
Model of a Velarium
- Arles Museum of Antiquities
- Located at the Presqu’ile du Cirque Romain, Arles in France.
- On display is a model of the Amphitheatre showing how the Velarium was suspended with its towers, ropes and pulleys.
Colosseum