The theatre has been investigated only partially. It was built in the first half of the second century. It was 106.80 m. wide, its orchestra 20 m. It had five entrances (vomitoria) and a capacity of 11000-12400.
View of the theatre. Photo: Wikimedia, Pymouss.The amphitheatre was built partly in a hill. It was erected and modified in the years 120-170 AD. In the final phase the building measured 115 x 87 m. In the facade were niches. On the east side was a semicircular forecourt with an entrance that was similar to a triumphal arch. Eventually the building had 18 entrances (vomitoria) and 31 rows of seats for some 16000 spectators. There was no underground area below the arena. On the south side of the arena (55.15 x 38.10 m.) were three rooms that served as cages for animals. It has been suggested that the theatre and the amphitheatre were also involved in the Imperial cult. Processions in which depictions of Emperors were carried (such as the gold bust of Marcus Aurelius) would then have moved from the Cigognier sanctuary to the theatre and finally through the triumphal arch of the amphitheatre.
Plan of the amphitheatre. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 323.
1: main entrance; 2: arena; 3: seats; 4: animal cages; 5: secondary entrance; 6: museum.
View of the amphitheatre. Photo: Wikimedia, Ludovic Péron.
[1-May-2024]
