Roman Amphitheatre
Description
Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, The Roman Amphitheatre of Venosa was deprived of many works and ornaments, which are currently located in other monuments in Venosa (many were used to erect the adjacent incomplete church). The first excavation was commissioned in the 19th century, where a series of bronzes, coins, and terracottas were found, but due to neglect, the ruins were buried again. Only in 1935 was everything brought back to light.
The Roman Amphitheater has an elliptical shape, with three levels, partly built above ground and partly created by terracing the ground on which it stands. The major axis measures 70 meters, while the minor axis is 40 meters. Based on these measurements, it is believed that this structure could accommodate approximately ten thousand spectators in its time. The lowest level is that of the arena, where the terrace of the 'podium' for important figures is located. There are two additional levels, supported by three concentric ambulatories.
Address
Strada Provinciale 18 Ofantina 13, Venosa, Italy
Established
c. 100 AD
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