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The lands that belonged to the Roman Empire are known for the fact that they contain a large number of the most beautiful architectural monuments, namely amphitheaters. Many tourists come to see them every year. The buildings were erected by the Romans for various needs, more often in order to hold gladiator fights, chariot races, executions, baiting animals and other mass spectacles there. Many structures have been standing for more than 2000 years, but they still serve people and are used for concerts, theater and opera performances. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of the ten most beautiful Roman amphitheatres from antiquity.
10 Amphitheater Aventicum
This building is located near the village of Avanches, the date of construction is considered to be 130 AD. The amphitheater was created in the traditional style of the Roman theater and could accommodate approximately 12000-16000 people. In the lower part of the architectural monument there was a gazebo, which was intended for high-ranking spectators. Presumably, the Aventicum Amphitheater was used by the Romans for gladiator fights with wild animals. The benches of the building were placed in 31 rows, stone served as the material for their manufacture. The architectural monument has survived to this day. It hosts opera festivals. In addition to the amphitheater in Aventicum, there are also 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 20000 people.
Today, the amphitheater is an object for archaeological study, as well as concerts and other public events.
8. Amphitheater in Durres
This building is located on the territory of modern Albania, 350 meters from the Adriatic Sea. The amphitheater is remarkable in that it has an elliptical shape, at one time it could freely accommodate up to 20000 spectators. Used for gladiator fights. According to some research data, the date of construction of the amphitheater is considered to be the XNUMXst century, and according to others, the XNUMXnd century. Around the XNUMXth century, the 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 washout.
7. Pula Amphitheater
The architectural monument is located on the territory of modern Croatia. The capacity of the structure at the time of its use was approximately 23000 people. According to archaeologists, the building was erected in the XNUMXst century. The arena was necessary for the Romans for gladiator fights and baiting wild animals. Under the amphitheater, underground passages were located; a velarium (awning or canopy) protected the audience from rain and sun.
In the 19th century, the amphitheater was restored, from the 1900s. used for theatrical performances, 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 15000 people. According to archaeological data, it was built in the XNUMXst-XNUMXnd centuries AD. 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, stands and the amphitheater arena itself.
5. Arena di Verona
The building is located in the Italian city of Verona on the main square. Archaeologists believe that the arena was built around 30 AD. The architectural monument is very well preserved to this day. The ancient Romans used the arena for gladiator fights and circus performances. In the Middle Ages, heretics were burned on it and jousting tournaments were held. In the 18th and 19th century, the building was used for bullfights. Since the 1900s The arena serves as a venue for opera performances.
4. Amphitheater in El Jem
The arena is the third largest among the Roman amphitheatres, previously accommodating up to 30000 spectators. An architectural monument is located on the territory of Tunisia in the city of El Jem. The building 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 hardly used it for its intended purpose. Until the XNUMXth century, the building was ignored, then the stones used for its construction began to be used by the Arabs to build their city.
3. Amphitheater in Arles
The Arena of Arles is located in France; the date of its construction is considered to be the XNUMXst century AD. The Romans built the amphitheater to host gladiator fights and chariot races. From the XNUMXth century, the building began to be used as a fortress, protecting from barbarian attacks. In the same period, several towers were added to the amphitheater, and it turned into a castle. Today, the architectural monument is the main attraction of the French city; performances and concerts are held in the arena.
2. Amphitheater in Nimes
The structure is located on the territory of modern France in a city called Nimes. According to archaeologists, the building was erected in the 25000st century AD, its capacity was 18 spectators. The Romans, visiting the amphitheater, could enjoy the spectacle of gladiator fights (at that time, ancient Nimes had its own school of gladiators), fights between animals, fights between prisoners sentenced to death. In the IV-VII centuries AD. The arena was used as a fortress. Until the 1700th century, people continued to live in the amphitheater, houses, markets and even a church were located in it. In the 1800s the inhabitants of the arena were evicted, and its reconstruction began. Since the XNUMXs the amphitheater was used for bullfighting. Today the arena hosts concerts.
1. Ancient coliseum
This amphitheater is considered one of the main attractions of Italy, located in Rome. It fully justifies its name, which is from lat. Colosseus means “huge” or “colossal”. The facility had a capacity of up to 50000 spectators. It took 8 years to build the structure, it was built from 72 to 80 years. AD For the inhabitants of ancient Rome, fascinating spectacles were held in the Colosseum in the form of baiting 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.