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Why were Roman amphitheatres usually oval or round?

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Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor — Stadium Aerial view of Michigan Stadium, home to the gridiron football team of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Roman amphitheatres were designed as oval or round structures primarily to accommodate the specific requirements of the entertainment they hosted, such as gladiatorial games and venationes (contests involving beasts).1

Unlike Roman theatres, which were semicircular to ensure every spectator had a clear view of a raised stage, the amphitheatre was a "theatre with seats on all sides" intended to surround a central arena. This circular or oval configuration allowed spectators to view the action from every angle, which was essential for the nature of these combat-based spectacles. The design ensured that the audience could be seated concentrically around the central performance space, facilitating a comprehensive view of the events occurring within the arena.12