List of Roman Amphitheatres

Overview and list of Roman Amphitheatres across the Roman Empire

Roman amphitheatres are large, circular or oval open-air venues with tiered seating. They were constructed by the ancient Romans for various events, including gladiator combats, animal slayings, and executions. Approximately 230 Roman amphitheatres have been discovered throughout the Roman Empire. The earliest amphitheatres date back to the Republican period, while their construction became more monumental during the Imperial era.

Amphitheatres differ from circuses and hippodromes, which were typically rectangular and primarily used for racing events. They also differ from stadia, which were built for athletic competitions. The term amphitheatrum translates to “theatre all around,” indicating its circular or oval shape. This distinguishes it from traditional semicircular Roman theatres.

Roman Amphitheatres You Can Still Visit Today

Components of Roman Amphitheatres

The Roman amphitheatre consists of three main components: the cavea, the arena, and the vomitorium. The cavea, meaning “enclosure” in Latin, serves as the seating area. It is formed by concentric rows of stands, which may be supported by arches or constructed from excavated material from the arena.

The cavea is typically organized into three horizontal sections based on the social class of the spectators. The ima cavea is the lowest section, surrounding the arena and reserved for the upper class. The media cavea follows, open to the general public but mostly occupied by men. The summa cavea is the highest section, usually designated for women and children.

The front row is known as the prima cavea, while the last row is called the cavea ultima. The cavea is further divided vertically into cunei, which are wedge-shaped sections separated by stairways called scalae. The entrances at both the arena level and within the cavea are termed vomitoria, designed for the rapid dispersal of large crowds.

History of Roman Amphitheatres

Early Amphitheatres

The origins of the first amphitheatres are uncertain. Records indicate that temporary wooden amphitheatres were constructed in the Forum Romanum for gladiatorial games from the second century BC. Pliny the Elder mentions that Gaius Scribonius Curio invented the amphitheatre in 53 BC by rotating two wooden semicircular theatres. However, earlier stone amphitheatres, known as spectacula, have been discovered.

The earliest known stone amphitheatres have been identified in Campania, specifically at Capua, Cumae, and Liternum, built towards the end of the second century BC. The amphitheatre of Pompeii, constructed shortly after 70 BC, is one of the best-documented early examples. Other early amphitheatres include those at Abella, Teanum, and Cales, dating to the Sullan era, and those at Puteoli and Telesia from the Augustan period.

Amphitheatres in the Imperial Era

During the Imperial era, amphitheatres became integral to the Roman urban landscape. Cities competed to construct monumental amphitheatres, which could accommodate between 40,000 and 60,000 spectators, with the largest venues holding up to 100,000. These structures featured multistoried façades and were often elaborately decorated with marble and stucco.

As the Roman Empire expanded, most amphitheatres remained concentrated in the Latin-speaking Western regions. In the Eastern provinces, spectacles were typically held in theatres or stadia. Amphitheatres were built as part of Romanization efforts, funded by private benefactors or local governments to enhance municipal status.

Decline of Amphitheatre Construction

Several factors contributed to the decline of amphitheatre construction. Gladiatorial games began to fade from public life in the 3rd century due to economic pressures and philosophical opposition, particularly from the rising influence of Christianity. This new religion viewed such games as immoral and wasteful.

While venationes continued until the sixth century, they became increasingly rare and expensive. The shift in public beneficence from civic projects to charitable acts further reduced funding for amphitheatres. The last recorded amphitheatre construction occurred in 523 in Pavia under Theodoric.

As the use of amphitheatres diminished, many fell into disrepair. Some were dismantled for building materials, while others were repurposed as fortifications or Christian churches. A notable example includes the Colosseum, which became a Christian pilgrimage site and was partially used for religious purposes from the medieval period onward.

The best preserved amphitheatres in the world

1: Amphitheatre of Tarraco

The Roman amphitheatre of Tarraco, located in present-day Tarragona, Spain, was built in the late 2nd century CE and served as a venue for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and public executions. Constructed into a hillside near the sea, it could seat up to 14,000 spectators

Amphitheatre of Tarraco: The Basics You Need to Know

2: Amphitheatre of Pula

The Pula Arena, located in Pula, Croatia, is a Roman amphitheatre known for its well-preserved structure. It is the only Roman amphitheatre with four side towers intact. Constructed between 27 BC and AD 68, it ranks among the six largest surviving Roman arenas globally. 

Pula Amphitheatre

3: Nîmes Amphitheater

The Arena of Nîmes is a Roman amphitheater located in Nîmes, France. It was constructed in the late 1st century AD. This structure is one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world.

Nîmes Amphitheater

4: Verona Amphitheatre

The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheatre situated in the historic center of Verona, Italy. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheatres in the world. This structure exemplifies Roman architectural design and has survived through various transformations over the centuries.

Verona Amphitheatre

5: The Colosseum

The Colosseum is an amphitheatre located in the center of Rome, Italy. It is situated just east of the Roman Forum. This structure is recognized as the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and remains the largest standing amphitheatre in the world.

The Colosseum: The Basics You Need to Know