The Amphitheatre of Durrës was built in the city of Durrës in the early 2nd century AD. It was likely used for performances for at least the next two centuries. Durrës itself was founded around 627 BC and today is the main port of Albania.
The Roman amphitheatre is built into the slope of a hill and there are staircases and galleries at different levels inside the amphitheatre. Its main function was hosting gladiator combat and it could have hosted between 10,000 and 20,000 spectators.
The earthquake of 345/346 AD had probably left the amphitheatre in poor condition and in the second half of the 4th century an early Christian chapel was built on the site of the amphitheatre. The chapel was ornamented with frescoes and mosaics were added in the 6th century.
A medieval chapel was constructed in the 13th century. Then in the 16th century, the amphitheatre was covered over in conjunction with the construction of a nearby wall.
In the 1960s, Vangjel Toci excavated approximately one third of the site. Lida Miraj excavated much that remained in the 1980s. Limited conservation efforts to protect the excavated site meant that the amphitheatre steadily deteriorated.
While restoration work to save the monument began in 2004, undertaken by the University of Parma, it was shortlisted by Europa Nostra in 2013 as one of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe.
The Amphitheatre of Durrës is a unique monument in Albania. It is located in the centre of Durrës and is close to other archaeological sites. It is also situated near the Archaeological Museum. The amphitheatre is surrounded by the modern city and modern housing has actually been built upon part of the arena.
The amphitheatre of Durrës is in the centre of the city, a five minute walk along Rruga Anastas Durrsaku from the Venetian Tower of Durrës. Entry is inexpensive and there are English speaking guides at the monument.
]]>Lyon was once the Roman city of Lugdunum. Whilst the city was founded in approximately 44 BC, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls is thought to have been constructed in around 19 AD and financed by an old Gallic family with Roman citizenship. The reference to the ‘Three Gauls’ relates to Gaul’s main provinces at the time – Belgica, Aquitania and Lugdunensis – of which Lugdunum was the capital.
While the theatre had a relatively small capacity of 1,800, it hosted games accompanying the imperial cult and was a meeting place for representatives of the 60 Gallic tribes. In the 2nd century AD, it is thought that several Christians were martyred at the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls in the course of the campaign of persecution against Christians at the time.
The Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls was rediscovered in the 16th century, then comprising of several arches and a hollow arena. However, expansion of Lyon in the 19th century led to the destruction of the southern half and what remained by the 1970s was made part of the Jardin des Plantes and opened for visitors.
Today, only a fraction of the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls remains, the rest seemingly swallowed up by modern roads and buildings which surround it. What does remain includes a section of its walls, its northern gate and some of its foundations, which are open for the public to visit at their own leisure.
Nestled within the Jardin des Plantes, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls is easily found on foot within ancient Lyon. Otherwise, the S6 bus stops at the Jardin or S12 bus stops along the Rue Burdeau, just 3 minutes walk from the amphitheatre.
]]>Today, the site of Aquincum has much to offer sightseers and history enthusiasts alike, including the ruins of a city wall, an amphitheatre (1 of 2 in Budapest), temples, homes and burial grounds. There is also the modest Aquincum Museum housing artefacts from the site to explore.
Aquincum was originally settled by the Celtic Eravisci tribe, but later became a Roman border military base or castrum around 41 to 54 BC. A legion of 6,000 men grew into a city around the fortress, and when Pannonia was reorganised by the Romans in 106 AD, Aquincum became the provincial capital.
Aquincum was occasionally the headquarters of Rome’s emperors because it was the centre of the Roman frontier operations. As such, the city obtained municipal status under Hadrian and became a colonia under Septimius Severus. By the end of the 2nd century AD, the city boasted 30,000 inhabitants and was the centre of commercial life in the province.
The city’s status was reflected in the archaeological remains excavated, which include central heating in the houses, public baths, palaces and a temple to Mithras (a Mithraeum). Aquincum also boasted 2 amphitheatres built in the 1st century AD for gladiatorial and animal fights.
Christianity came to Aquincum around the early 3rd century, and it was not until 350 AD when the city was largely destroyed, suffering attacks from the Sarmitians to the north and in the 5th century, German and Hun invaders.
Today, you can visit the ancient city of Aquincum, much smaller than the important Roman province it once was. Highlights of wandering Aquincum include a stone tile with a sewer grate, a beautiful mosaic-covered thermal bath and an underground heating system. You can also see the ruins of a 3-level aqueduct.
Aquincum Museum boasts a small collection of Celtic and Roman artefacts, providing a fascinating visual timeline through the 17 milestones of the site: from a Celtic period urn to a bejewelled 5th century AD diadem. You can also see a reconstruction of the hydraulic system. Be aware that the English translations in the museum are not always thorough and the ruins are closed during the winter months. Standard entry otherwise costs 1,900 Ft (£4.70).
Via public transport, the buses 34, 134 and 106 from Szentlélek Square in Obuda will stop at Aquincum. For those driving, Aquincum Museum and Roman site are along the Szentendrei street off road 11, a 10 minute drive north of central Budapest.
]]>In 1840, following a request of the Inspector General of Historical Monuments, the first ever list of France’s monuments was drawn up. The Amphitheatre of Frejus was one of them, and out of the thirty referenced, is one of the oldest monuments in Gaul. The Amphitheatre was partly excavated in 1828, and was completely cleared in 1960 after the Malpasset Dam Collapse Disaster.
It is difficult to date the monument. It was certainly built after Rome’s Colosseum (AD 80) because of some general criteria, such as the structure, design of the facade, stamped bricks. As a result, it is generally agreed that the structure dates from the end of the 1st century AD.
Compared to the 5,000-strong-capacity today, in its prime the Amphitheatre would have been able to hold 12,000 spectators. The shows that took place there were gladiatorial combats, hunting, fights between gladiators and animals, as well as ‘naumachines’ which depicted naval battles.
The Amphitheatre was unfortunately used as a stone quarry and even a landfill before restorations began to take place. In recent times, a conservation and enhancement project has been embarked upon, restoring the Amphitheatre to its primary function as a place of spectacle.
Victor Hugo wrote of the ruins during his visit in 1839 – ‘I was in the same square where 2,000 years ago the lions, the gladiators, and the tigers twisted [around each other]. There is now a tall grass growing there, which a herd of thin horses grazed peacefully around me…’
Visitors today should expect to see quite a different sight to the one that Hugo describes here; instead, the structure has undergone a significant amount of restoration work. As a result, the Amphitheatre is not so much a well-preserved Roman Ruin but a testament to architecture which balances both design and function, having prioritised redesignating the site as a place for performance and spectacle.
Tourists can admire the walls, with both the first and the second floors accessible via a staircase. You can travel through history by visiting an old gallery on the ground floor, or take a break at the cavea, a specially designed public square where you can witness events today. The most special feature is the tribune in the heart of the Amphitheatre, which was formally reserved for great personalities of the time and high-ranking figures.
Arènes de Fréjus is a 49 minute drive from Saint-Tropez, primarily along the main D559 road. Avid cyclists can also enjoy a bike ride to the Amphitheatre along Saint-Tropez’s stunning coastline which will take just under two hours. The Amphitheatre is open regularly though is shut on Sundays, Mondays, and bank holidays.
]]>Originally built in the first to second century AD, Arenes de Lutece was a vast amphitheatre able to seat between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators. In 280 AD, Arenes de Lutece was sacked, leaving few remains. The arena is the oldest historic monument built in Paris, and is the third largest Roman coliseum in France.
Once, Roman gladiators entertained crowds by fighting wild animals in the amphitheatre’s centre, with spectators filling the tiered seating areas rising up along the sloped hillsides. A 135-foot long stage across one end accommodated theatrical productions and orators. A circus also took place here in Roman times, there are several ground-level spaces where the Romans kept caged animals.
Rediscovered during building works carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, Arenes de Lutece was subject to a great deal of renovation, sadly to the extent that much of what can be seen today – such as the tiered seating – is not original. Having said this, it is definitely worth seeing if you are interested in Roman Gaul. Some of the Roman stage settings are still visible giving a sense of what the theatre would have looked like.
Today, Arenes de Lutece is more likely to be the site of skateboarding competitions and picnics rather than gladiator matches. The coliseum now lies at the centre of a small park, with grassy slopes, flowering plants, and lots of trees.
The arena is in the Place Emile Mâle, off the Rue Monge. The nearest metro stop is Place Monge and buses 47, 67 and 89 pass nearby.
The Arènes de Lutèce is a public park, accessible by entrances on three sides. One is a passageway through the building at 47, rue Monge; the second is a long open corridor accessible from rue de Navarre through a gate; the third is through the Square Capitan from its entrance at 10, rue des Arènes.
]]>Known as the ‘Soul of Provence’, Arles is a southern French city situated in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Built to accommodate over 20,000 spectators, with over a hundred Corinthian and Doric columns spread over two levels and at a length of 136 metres, Arles Amphitheatre remains one of the town’s most impressive sites.
With the Colosseum in Rome having been built from 72-80, the amphitheatre was certainly inspired by it, being built slightly later, in 90.
The Amphitheatre is oval-shaped and is surrounded by terraces, a total of 60 arcades on two levels, bleachers, a system of galleries, and a drainage system.
After the Western Empire fell in the 5th century, the amphitheatre became a shelter for the population and was transformed into a fortress with four towers. As a real and functioning town, the structure encircled more than 200 houses, with its public square built in the centre of the arena along with two chapels. Its role as a residential site continued until the late 18th century, and under the initiative of writer Prosper Merimee, from 1825 it was changed into a national historical monument.
The houses were slowly placed under national ownership and razed to the ground, with the cleared space being reopened as an arena in 1830, with a race of the bulls to celebrate the taking of Algiers taking place.
From 2001, an extensive and historically authentic restoration project was undertaken. Arles Amphitheatre is now one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Its excellent state of preservation means that Arles Amphitheatre is still in use today, not for chariot races, but for bullfighting. This takes place most notably during the popular festival Feria d’Arles, with one taking place in April and another in September.
Musical concerts are also held in the amphitheatre.
A painting by Vincent Van Gogh entitled ‘Les Arènes’ depicts a bull fight at the site.
Today, visitors can enjoy walking around the amphitheatre, or with a little more forward planning, see a live show at the venue itself. There are also a number of other Roman sites in Arles that visitors should try and see, including Arles Roman Theatre, the Constantine Baths, and the Archaeological Museum.
From the centre of Arles, the Amphitheatre is reachable in around 6 minutes by foot via Rue de la Calade and Rond-Point des Arènes. By car, the site is reachable in around the same amount of time via Rue des Arènes.
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The foundation of the city of Aventicum is probably related to the failed attempt at migration of the Helvetians in 58 BC and their forced return to their point of departure. The name of the city derives from that of the Celtic protective goddess Aventia. Aventicum was the capital of the Helvetii.
It is unclear as to exactly when Aventicum was founded, but it reached its peak between the 1st century BC and 5th century AD, during its time as capital of the region under Roman rule. At this point, it was home to some 20,000 inhabitants. Aventicum also became a colony of Rome or “colonia”, a prestigious accolade, in around 71AD.
The sites which can now be seen at the archaeological site of Aventicum are very well preserved and include a 2nd century amphitheatre which would have seated 16,000, some of the original city walls with a surviving tower (originally one of 73), a set of thermal baths and holy sites including a sanctuary and some temples.
From the end of Antiquity, the city served as a quarry, but several monuments still bear witness to its past grandeur.
Now located in the area known as Avenches, Aventicum offers visitors plenty of original sites to see. There is also a museum within the amphitheatre tower which explores the history of Aventicum and with finds from the site itself including daily tools, mosaics, sculptures and various items from the city’s time under the Romans.
Aventicum is around an hour and 15 minutes drive away from Geneva. There are good railway and public transport links to the area.
]]>Put under state protection in 1911, Bordeaux’s citizens are now working to preserve this ancient amphitheatre, a snippet of a history long since vanished; it remains as an impressive reminder of the Roman presence which once dominated the area.
Burdigala is thought to have been the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Aquitaina; and was annexed as a Roman province under the emperor Augustus. The importance of the city is reflected in the grandeur of the amphitheatre and indeed the landmark once held around 15,000 spectators.
One of the first examples of an amphitheatre to use a both a stone and wooden structure, Bordeaux Amphitheatre was the sight of a host of ancient spectacles alongside often violent shows designed to engage and entertain both the locals, plebeians and patricians of the Empire alike. Little else is known about the ruins but it is thought that they got their name because in later times people thought the remains resembled a grand palace.
Some historians even speculate that Bordeaux Amphitheatre sits atop older ruins, but until further excavation can occur it remains an unanswered question.
The Palais Gallien was a den of crooks and prostitutes in the 17th century… It was also said that witches gathered here, before a mayor transformed the site into a quarry during the revolutionary period.
Set in the heart of Bordeaux, destroyed by a fire during the Germanic invasions of the town, the impressive remains of the Palais Gallien are well worth the visit. Today only a relatively small portion remains of what was once quite a large Roman amphitheatre.
Typically elliptical in shape, the amphitheatre measured about 70 metres by about 47 metres when it was complete. A building at the entrance features a 3D reconstitution showing the original layout – one to rival the arenas in Nîmes and Arles.
The address of Bordeaux Amphitheatre is Rue du Docteur Albert Barraud, 33000 Bordeaux. The site is located in the centre of the city, west of the Garonne and roughly a 10 minute walk from Monument aux Girondins.
There are multiple ways of travelling to the site, including by bus (routes 15, 3, 4, 601, and 703) and train (R41 2U). If travelling by car, there are several parking bays nearby.
]]>Tunisia was annexed into the Roman Empire in approximately 46 BC, under Julius Caesar. Previously a Berber site, Bulla Regia flourished under the Romans who built a series of monuments and public buildings in the area, such as its amphitheatre.
Amongst the remains at Bulla Regia, there are its famous two-storey villas, with the lower storey located underground to protect its inhabitants from the elements. A further characteristic of these villas is the fact that many of them contain original Roman mosaics, still in situ.
The Romans, led by the prestigious military strategist Scipio Africanus, won Bulla Regia in 203 BC during the Second Punic War. Although the territory was later recovered by the Numidian king Masinissa in 156 BC (making Bulla Regia his capital), the Romans assumed direct control in 46 BC when Julius Caesar made Bulla Regia a free city. Caesar’s decision was based on the city’s support or neutrality during the recent civil war.
Under Hadrian, Bulla Regia reached its peak as a Roman colony with full citizenship. However, the city lost its importance under the Byzantines. Local aristocrats extended their houses over public space, an example of which is the House of the Fisherman, adapted to link 2 homes and blocking off a street.
After an earthquake destroyed Bulla Regia, drifting sand protected the sites until they were excavated in 1906. The forum was dug out during the late 1940s, discovering the basilica with a Christian baptism font and a small amphitheatre.
Today, Bulla Regia is an archaeological site with a small museum that provides a unique opportunity to walk into a Roman villa without using too much imagination. From above, the site does not look especially remarkable.
However, underground tours are available with experienced guides taking visitors around the restoration works, including mosaics and rooms that have been preserved beneath the surface for so long. Even the Roman drainage system has been restored to keep the house-remains from flooding.
Highlights of the site include the colossal Memmian Baths overlooking the entrance, as well as the Quartier des Maisons (villas quarter) and the impressive House of the Hunt, illustrating the lavish lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
From Tunis, the drive to Bulla Regia takes around 2 hours along the A3 and C59 and is the easiest way to get there (there is no public transport option). There is room for car parking at the site.
]]>Built in approximately 75 AD, Caerleon Roman Fortress was a vast 50-acre fortress at the Roman Empire‘s westernmost frontier, and was big enough to house upward of 5,000 soldiers.
Known as Isca, it was home to the Second Augustan Legion and was just one of three permanent Roman Legionary fortresses in Britain. Within the complex were a range of buildings vital to Roman life, including a grand bath house complete with cold pool, warm room heated by a hypocaust, and even an open-air swimming pool!
Also at Caerleon was a 6,000-seater amphitheatre begun in 90 AD, where audiences would gather to watch gladiators fight to the death with one another, or a host of exotic wild animals.
The fortress was in use for some 200 years, before it was demolished by either Carausius or Allectus, two usurpers who named themselves emperor of Britain and northern Gaul in separate decades of the late 3rd century. There may have been an occasional military presence in the 4th century, however it is likely that is was taken over by the surrounding vicus, or village population.
Today, the well-preserved ruins of Caerleon Roman Fortress offer a fascinating insight into life at a Roman fort on the edge of the Empire. Amongst the highlights are its huge bathhouse, amphitheatre (the most complete in Britain!) and the L-shaped barracks themselves.
Inside the Bath House museum, a range of artefacts are on display from archaeological digs of the site, including 88 gemstones recovered from the swimming pool’s drain – originating from jewellery worn by swimmers almost 2,000 years ago!
The nearby National Roman Legion Museum also contains a number of fascinating exhibits detailing finds and artefacts from the site.
Caerleon Roman Fortress is located in Caerleon in Wales, just north of the M4 on the B4236 road. The nearest train station is Newport, 4 miles away, from which a number of bus services can be taken into Caerleon, with the Caerleon PO stop a minute’s walk to the site. The amphitheatre is a short 5-minute walk from the main fortress site, turning off the High Street down Broadway.
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