The lands belonging to the Roman Empire are known for having a large number of beautiful architectural monuments, namely amphitheaters. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a list of the ten most beautiful Roman amphitheaters of antiquity.
10. Aventicum Amphitheater
This building is located near the village of Avansh, the date of construction is considered 130 AD The amphitheater was created in the traditional style of the Roman theater, accommodating approximately 12,000-16,000 people. At the bottom of the architectural monument was a gazebo, which was intended for high-ranking spectators. Presumably, the Aventicum Amphitheater was used by the Romans to conduct gladiator fights with wild animals. Bench structures were placed in 31 rows, the material for their manufacture was stone. The architectural monument has survived to the present day. It hosts opera festivals. In addition to the amphitheater, Aventicum also left ruins from the theater, baths and columns from the temple of the ancient era.
9. Amphitheater in Pompeii
This building is considered the oldest amphitheater in the world, the date of its construction is considered to be 80 BC. The architectural monument is located in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, it was able to accommodate approximately 20,000 people.
Today, the amphitheater is an object for archaeological study, as well as concerts and other social events.
8. Amphitheater in Durres
This building is located on the territory of modern Albania, 350 meters from the Adriatic Sea. The amphitheater is noteworthy in that it has an elliptical shape, at one time it could freely accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. Used for gladiatorial fights. According to some research data, the date of construction of the amphitheater is I century, and according to others - II. Around the V century, an architectural monument began to be used for Christian needs, a chapel was built on its territory. Today, the amphitheater is on the verge of extinction, as it is exposed to the destructive effects of weathering and leaching.
7. Amphitheater of Pula
The architectural monument is located on the territory of modern Croatia. The capacity of the structure at the time of its use was approximately 23,000 people. According to archaeologists, the building was erected in the 1st century. The arena was necessary for the Romans to conduct gladiatorial battles and harassment of wild animals. Underpasses were located under the amphitheater, and the velarium (tent or canopy) protected the spectators from rain and sun.
In the 19th century, the amphitheater was restored, from the 1900s. used for theatrical productions, parades, ceremonies, the number of seats for spectators is about 5000.
6. Tarragona Amphitheater
The amphitheater is located in Spain, previously it could simultaneously accommodate up to 15,000 people. According to archaeological data, built in the I-II centuries A.D. The building in Tarragona was discovered by researchers in the last century, which is surprising, it has survived to this day in almost perfect condition. The modern viewer can see the main gate, the stands and the amphitheater arena itself.
5. Arena di Verona
The building is located in the Italian city of Verona in the main square. Archaeologists believe that the arena was built around 30. The architectural monument is very well preserved to this day. The ancient Romans used the arena to conduct gladiator fights, circus performances. In the Middle Ages, heretics were burned on it and knightly tournaments were organized. In the 18-19 century, the building was used to conduct bullfights. Since the 1900s The arena serves as the venue for opera performances.
4. Amphitheater in El Jem
The arena is the third largest among the Roman amphitheaters, previously accommodating up to 30,000 spectators. An architectural monument is located in Tunisia in the city of El Jem. The construction was erected in 232-238. AD, the Colosseum served as a prototype.
The amphitheater is decorated with numerous mosaics, but its construction was never completed, for this reason the Romans almost did not use it for its intended purpose. Until the 7th century, the construction was ignored, then the stones used for its construction were used by the Arabs to build their city.
3. Amphitheater in Arles
Arena Arles is located in France, the date of its construction is considered the 1st century AD. The Romans built an amphitheater so that gladiators and chariot races were fought on its arena. Since the VI century, the building began to be used as a fortress, protecting from the attacks of barbarians. In the same period, several towers were added to the amphitheater, and it turned into a castle. Today, an architectural monument is the main attraction of the French city, performances and concerts are held in the arena.
2. Amphitheater in Nimes
The construction is located on the territory of modern France in a city called Nimes. According to archaeologists, the building was erected in the 1st century AD, its capacity was 25,000 spectators. The Romans, visiting the amphitheater, could enjoy the sight of gladiator fights (at that time in ancient Nimes there was a school of gladiators), animal fights, fights between prisoners sentenced to death. In the IV-VII centuries A.D. The arena was used as a fortress. Until the 18th century, people continued to live in the amphitheater, houses, markets and even a church were located in it. In the 1700s. Arena residents were evicted, and reconstruction began. Since the 1800s the amphitheater was used for bullfighting. Today, concerts are taking place in the arena.
1. Colosseum
This amphitheater is considered one of the main attractions of Italy, located in Rome. He fully justifies his name, which is from lat. Colosseus means "huge" or "colossal." The facility had a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators. The construction of the building took 8 years, it was built from 72 to 80 years. For the inhabitants of ancient Rome, the Coliseum held fascinating spectacles in the form of persecution of wild animals, fights between gladiators. Today the amphitheater is one of the most popular tourist sites, in 2007 it became one of the seven wonders of the world.