A large enclosed area for sports or entertainment events, or any sphere of activity or competition.
From Latin 'arena' meaning 'sand,' because Roman amphitheaters were covered with sand to absorb blood during gladiatorial contests. Extended to mean any area of conflict or competition.
Roman arenas were engineering marvels with sophisticated underground systems called 'hypogea' that could flood for naval battles or lift animals and gladiators to the surface through trapdoors. The sand wasn't just for absorption - different colored sands were used decoratively.
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