Cities, villages, fortresses - Bern - Bern-Engehalbinsel - Amphitheatre

Introduction Houses and workshops Temples Baths

Amphitheatre Villa or sanctuary Burials

At the south end an amphitheatre was found. The arena measured 27.55 x 25.30 m. There was a main entrance on the north side, a ramp sloping downwards, 4.10 m. wide. A room on the south side, with access to the arena (w. 1.20 m.), has been interpreted as a cage for animals (but seems rather small for that purpose). The seats, for some 1500 people, were made of wood. The building seems to have been erected in the second half of the second century.

View of the remains of the amphitheatre. Photo: Wikimedia, Ginkgo.

Recent research suggests that the building was used for several purposes: for theatre performances, for gladiator fights and for hunting animals. There may well have been a relation with a nearby sanctuary. Finally, the building may also have served as a regional meeting place, a kind of parliament of the people living in the area.

Reconstruction drawing with the amphitheatre. Lawrence 2010, Abb. 6.

Introduction Houses and workshops Temples Baths

Amphitheatre Villa or sanctuary Burials

[26-Oct-2023]