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Introduction The forum Houses and workshops Baths and water supply Gallo-Roman temples |
The precinct of temple II The mithraeum The amphitheatre Christianity Burials |
The remains of the amphitheatre have always been visible. In the 16th century Gabriel Symeon published a drawing of what he believed was the camp of Servius Galba, Caesar's general. The first excavations took place in the late 19th century. The ruins were investigated extensively in the 1970's and 1980's, and restored.
Drawing of the "camp of Servius Galba" by Gabriel Symeon (Les Illustres observations antiques
du seigneur Gabriel Symeon Florentin. En son dernier voyage d'Italie l'an 1557, Lyon 1558, 95).
Aerial view of the amphitheatre. Photo: Ville de Martigny.The oval building measures 75.50 x 63.70 m. Six ramps set against the exterior led to the seats, which were apparently made of wood. The building will have accomodated some 5400 people. The arena measured 47.50 x 35.13 m. The level of the arena was four meters below the ground level. Four small rooms have been interpreted as animal cages (carceres). One of these was below the grandstand for dignitaries. There was a fifth enclosure for animals outside the building. The amphitheatre was built in the early second century. Coins indicate that the building was used until the late fourth century
Simplified plan of the amphitheatre. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 405.
1: main entrance; 2: arena; 3: access ramps; 4: grandstand for dignitaries; 5: seats; 6: animal cages; 7: animal enclosure.
View of the amphitheatre. Photo: Wikimedia, Jean Housen.
Introduction
The forum
Houses and workshops
Baths and water supply
Gallo-Roman templesThe precinct of temple II
The mithraeum
The amphitheatre
Christianity
Burials
[30-Jan-2024]
