The amphitheater had 80 entrances at ground level. The arena had a seating capacity of 50,000 spectators who were given tickets in the form of numbered pottery shards which directed them to the appropriate section and row. They were seated in tiers according to their status. The Colosseum was originally used for gladiator contests & other public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, & dramas based on Classical mythology.