Velarium

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A Velarium (curtain), was a type of awning used in Roman times. It stretched over the whole of the cavea (seating area) in the Colosseum to protect spectators from the elements.

The velarium that covers the Colosseum in Rome had a use of giving off shade and slight protection from rain, although the main use of the Velarium was to create a ventilation shaft creating circulation and a cool breeze.

Contemporary references

• Juvenal iv.121
• Suetonius - Life of Caligula 26

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Last updated on Tuesday July 17, 2007 at 13:48:51 PDT (GMT -0700)
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