Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari
Sardegna
The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, located in southern Sardinia, Italy, is a remarkable ancient structure dating back to the 2nd century AD. Half carved into the rock and half constructed with local white limestone, its façade once rose over 20 meters high. The amphitheatre measured approximately 93 by 80 meters, with an arena surface of about 1124 square meters. It hosted gladiatorial combats, fights between men and animals, and public executions, accommodating up to 8,000 spectators-roughly a quarter to a third of the ancient Roman city's population. The seating was socially stratified, with elite citizens occupying the podium and free citizens seated according to rank, while women and slaves had designated upper tiers. Abandoned from the 5th century AD following the decline of gladiatorial games, it was later used as a quarry by successive rulers including the Byzantines, Pisans, and Aragonese. Rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century under Giovanni Spano, the amphitheatre has since been preserved as a significant archaeological site, reflecting the cultural and social life of Roman Sardinia.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but checking ahead for any guided tours or special events is recommended. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes due to uneven terrain. Note that the amphitheatre is an open-air site, so sun protection and hydration are advised. Occasionally, cultural events and concerts are held here, offering a unique experience blending history and contemporary culture.
Zajímavosti
- •The amphitheatre could hold up to 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, nearly one-third of ancient Caralis's population.
- •It was partly carved directly into the rock and partly built with local white limestone.
- •The arena surface was over 1,100 square meters, making it one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Sardinia.
- •Public executions were held here before cheering crowds, alongside gladiatorial and animal fights.
- •In the early 2000s, a temporary iron and wood structure was installed for concerts but later removed to preserve the site's archaeological integrity.
- •The amphitheatre was rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century after being buried underground for centuries.
Historie
Constructed in the 2nd century AD during Roman rule over Sardinia and Corsica, the amphitheatre served as a venue for gladiatorial contests, animal fights, and public executions.
With the rise of Christianity and the prohibition of gladiatorial games by Emperor Valentinian III in 438 AD, the amphitheatre fell out of use.
During the early Middle Ages and later periods, it was exploited as a stone quarry by various rulers including the Byzantines, Pisans, and Aragonese.
In the 19th century, the municipality of Cagliari acquired the site and initiated archaeological excavations led by canon Giovanni Spano, uncovering significant artifacts and structural elements.
In recent decades, efforts have focused on preserving the site as an archaeological monument, removing modern structures that once allowed for summer events to restore its original appearance.
Průvodce po místě
The Arena2nd century AD
The central area where gladiatorial combats and animal fights took place, measuring approximately 46 by 31 meters. It was covered with marble slabs in antiquity, some of which were uncovered during excavations.
The Podium2nd century AD
A raised platform above the arena reserved for prominent citizens and dignitaries, offering the best view of the events.
Cavea (Seating Areas)2nd century AD
The tiered seating sections arranged according to social rank: ima, media, and summa cavea for free citizens, while women and slaves were seated in the uppermost covered tier.
Kontakt
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