Roman theatres were built in areas spanning from Spain to the Middle East. Some 200 Roman theatres are still standing today. They are reminiscence of one of the greatest empire ever; hundreds of years after it have collapsed. Here we bring you 10 classic Roman theatres that are eye-poppingly gorgeous!
5.
Pula Arena
Located in Pula, Croatia the amphitheatre is one of the most well preserved Roman architecture till date. It is the only amphitheatre still standing with four side towers and all three Roman Architectural order. Built between 27 BC - 68 AD the Arena is a significant ancient monument in Croatia and is found at the back of Croatian 10 kuna banknote. With a total of 15 gates, the place can seat 23,000 spectators. In the 5th century after Emperor Honorius prohibited gladiatorial contests, locals began plundering the stones causing damage to the arena. Today the Pula Arena is used for holding concerts.
4.
Amphitheatre of Pompeii
Regarded as the oldest Roman amphitheatre, the Amphitheatre of Pompeii was constructed in 80 BC. It is the oldest known amphitheatre built of stone (previously they were built of wood). The money used came from private funding and in its contemporary time, the amphitheatre was named 'spectacular'. The amphitheatre was well designed and today serves to inspire better design in modern stadiums. Historians have informed us that in 59 AD there was a riot between the Nucerians and the Pompeians that resulted in a 10 year ban on gladiatorial events at the theatre. Today the Amphitheatre of Pompeii is used for concerts and other events.
3.
Amphitheater of El Djem
The Amphitheater of El Djem is sometimes incorrectly called the Colosseum. Located in a small town in Tunisia, the Amphitheater is also called “Roman amphitheater of Thysdrus” because it was built by Gordian I, the Emperor at Thysdrus. He committed suicide after an abortive revolt and the opponent troops destroyed most of the village. Built in the early 3rd century AD, it's believed that the construction of the amphitheatre was never completed. In the 17th century, some its stones were used to built the village of El Djem and some, to build the Great Mosque in Kairouan. In 1979 the Amphitheater of El Djem was declared a World Heritage Site.
2.
Verona Arena
Located in Verona, Italy, the Verona Arena was built to primarily observe large-scale opera performances, something that is done today as well. It was built in the 1st century. Spectators came from far off places to enjoy marvellous performance under the open sky. With a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, the Verona Arena is one of the most well preserved ancient structures today. In 1117 a fatal earthquake damaged the Arena especially its outer ring, the stones of which was re-using to construct other buildings. The place has seen numerous performances by legendary musicians like Puccini and Mascagni and notable opera singers like Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe Di Stefano etc.
1.
Colosseum
Also known as Coliseum or the Flavian Amphitheatre (built during the rule of the Flavian dynasty), it's an oval shaped amphitheatre located in the city of Rome, Italy. Built in the 70-80 AD, this concrete structure is one of the largest amphitheatre ever built and a marvellous achievement in ancient engineering . The Colosseum had a seating capacity of something between 50,000 and 80,000 people. Over years the stadium has been used to show mock set battles, re-enactment of famous battles, dramas inspired from Classical mythology, executions, gladiatorial championships and other public spectacles. One of the most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome, the Colosseum was partly damaged by earthquakes in the 21st century .
Located in Pula, Croatia the amphitheatre is one of the most well preserved Roman architecture till date. It is the only amphitheatre still standing with four side towers and all three Roman Architectural order. Built between 27 BC - 68 AD the Arena is a significant ancient monument in Croatia and is found at the back of Croatian 10 kuna banknote. With a total of 15 gates, the place can seat 23,000 spectators. In the 5th century after Emperor Honorius prohibited gladiatorial contests, locals began plundering the stones causing damage to the arena. Today the Pula Arena is used for holding concerts.
Regarded as the oldest Roman amphitheatre, the Amphitheatre of Pompeii was constructed in 80 BC. It is the oldest known amphitheatre built of stone (previously they were built of wood). The money used came from private funding and in its contemporary time, the amphitheatre was named 'spectacular'. The amphitheatre was well designed and today serves to inspire better design in modern stadiums. Historians have informed us that in 59 AD there was a riot between the Nucerians and the Pompeians that resulted in a 10 year ban on gladiatorial events at the theatre. Today the Amphitheatre of Pompeii is used for concerts and other events.
The Amphitheater of El Djem is sometimes incorrectly called the Colosseum. Located in a small town in Tunisia, the Amphitheater is also called “Roman amphitheater of Thysdrus” because it was built by Gordian I, the Emperor at Thysdrus. He committed suicide after an abortive revolt and the opponent troops destroyed most of the village. Built in the early 3rd century AD, it's believed that the construction of the amphitheatre was never completed. In the 17th century, some its stones were used to built the village of El Djem and some, to build the Great Mosque in Kairouan. In 1979 the Amphitheater of El Djem was declared a World Heritage Site.
Located in Verona, Italy, the Verona Arena was built to primarily observe large-scale opera performances, something that is done today as well. It was built in the 1st century. Spectators came from far off places to enjoy marvellous performance under the open sky. With a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, the Verona Arena is one of the most well preserved ancient structures today. In 1117 a fatal earthquake damaged the Arena especially its outer ring, the stones of which was re-using to construct other buildings. The place has seen numerous performances by legendary musicians like Puccini and Mascagni and notable opera singers like Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Giuseppe Di Stefano etc.
Also known as Coliseum or the Flavian Amphitheatre (built during the rule of the Flavian dynasty), it's an oval shaped amphitheatre located in the city of Rome, Italy. Built in the 70-80 AD, this concrete structure is one of the largest amphitheatre ever built and a marvellous achievement in ancient engineering . The Colosseum had a seating capacity of something between 50,000 and 80,000 people. Over years the stadium has been used to show mock set battles, re-enactment of famous battles, dramas inspired from Classical mythology, executions, gladiatorial championships and other public spectacles. One of the most iconic symbols of Imperial Rome, the Colosseum was partly damaged by earthquakes in the 21st century .
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