Final answer:
The Theater of Marcellus was a Roman structure for theatrical performances, distinct from the Colosseum, which hosted gladiatorial games and larger spectacles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is the Theater of Marcellus, which is a historical structure from ancient Rome. Built in the 1st century BCE and extending into the 1st century CE, the Theater of Marcellus was an important venue for entertainment during the Roman era. Unlike the Colosseum, which was designed for gladiatorial combat and other forms of mass entertainment, the Theater of Marcellus was a place specifically built for theatrical performances, akin to the traditional Greek theaters of the time.
The Theater of Marcellus signifies an evolution in Roman architectural design and public entertainment. It stood alongside other structures like the Amphitheatre of Pompeii and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, reflecting the diversity of venues constructed within Roman society to cater to different forms of entertainment such as theater, musical performances, gladiatorial games, and chariot races.