ROMAN AMPHITHEATRES

DEFINITIONThe word amphitheater derives from the Greek amfi, αμφί - with two elements - and theater, θέατρο).It is an elliptical building used for public performances. In classical antiquity it was used for gladiatorial games (also called munera) and for venationes, clashes between gladiators and animals (which included tigers, lions, bears, crocodiles, rhinos etc.).

The three largest Roman amphitheatres in the world in order of size are the Colosseum, the amphitheater of Capua and the Amphitheatre of El Jem (Tunisia).

ROMAN AMPHITHEATRES IN APULIA

In Apulia there are two important Roman amphitheatres:

Lecce

Lucera

THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER OF LECCE

The Roman amphitheater of Lecce was built between the first and second century A.D. and could hold 25,000 spectators.

The monument was made partly in the rock and partly built on arches. There are still a part of the elliptical arena and two annular corridors.

The arena was separated from the auditorium by a high wall that was decorated with a parapet (podium) adorned with marble reliefs representing fight scenes between men and animals.

THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER OF LUCERA Built in the Augustan age, the Amphitheatre is a monumental testimony of

the Roman Lucera. Located in a natural depression, the elliptical building could hold between

16.000 and 18.000 spectators. You can enter into the arena through two portals, adorned with Ionic

columns, surmounted by a majestic architrave and a pediment decorated with bas-reliefs. At the end of the stairs there are the spoliaria, used for the preparation of the athletes.

Two secondary entrances give directly access to the arena, bordered by a canal and the podium. Under the arena there is tunnel that was divided into three spaces, which were designed to accommodate services, animals and equipment used for the spectacula.