Castrense Amphitheater

Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 3. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

After having crossed via Nola, the Mura Aureliane arrive to and include the ruins of the Amphitheatre Castrense, one of the most important and impressive monuments. Most likely its construction was ordered by Emperor Elagabalo (218-222) as a court amphitheatre annexed to the sessorian imperial residence (castrum=imperial residence).The monument measures 88 metres on the bigger axle and 75,80 metres on the minor axle; the original aspect of the elevated, completely in bricks, on three orders of arcades, it can be at the present time reconstructed only by antique views made before the pontificate of Paul IV (century XVI), when, for defensive need, the amphitheatre was reduced to the first order. For the lowering of the surrounding level, moreover, the foundation of conglobated concrete is, at present, uncovered.