Photos

One of the biggest amphitheaters of the Roman world. It could keep more than 25.000 persons, a huge quantity if we consider that the city never kept more than 8.000 souls. On the plan its major axis is more than 154 m.; minor is 130 m. long. It was built at Adrianus Emperor age.

It is placed out of the wall area of the nova urbs, on a valley that makes the function of accomodating rows. Its faзade, almost lost, followed the usual architectural design: two superimposed orders of columns fixed to pillars supporting archs. Inferior order only can be seen on the parts of the valley where it was possible -the main axis of amphitheater- being superior the perimetral one.

Structure of building is opus caementicium -concrete reinforced with stone or brick ashlars depending on the area-. Indeed, the most outstanding parts are covered with marble.

Main entry was the eastern one. The Porta triumphalis was covered by a vaulted gallery pavimented with rectangular stones. Just on those stones can be seen sculpted scenes of plays done at the exterior of the area. At both sides of this entry, at the inner, there are chambers for worship called Sacellum.