What secrets are kept by 10 Roman Colosseums that exist outside of Italy

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Rome today is the capital of Italli, and in the old days it was a real empire, stretching from Europe to Africa. The main and impressive feature of Rome at that time is the ability to bring its own cultural traits, the conquest of peoples and the imposition of its culture. The basis of all this was, of course, the Colosseums - pompous and majestic structures that have survived to this day in France, Britain and other cities. What are they, Colosseums, and what is known about them?

1. Arena in Nimes, France

The Colosseum, which is located in this city in the south of France, is considered one of the best preserved to date. It is believed that its construction began in 90 AD, literally right after the identical Colosseum was erected in Rome. This can be seen in the general style of the building, which clearly copies its Roman counterpart.

At the beginning of the expansion of Gaul by the Romans, all the cities that were located on the coast of France became quite large administrative centers. Octavian Augustus defined special privileges for Nimes, as a result of which the city developed rapidly and rapidly. Due to this, by the middle of the 1st century A. D. the development of the city reached such heights that it was decided to build the Pont du Gard aqueduct in it, directing water to all buildings and structures.

During the period of its popularity, the Colosseum in the city, like its other brethren, received gladiators in its open spaces. After the Roman Empire began to fade, the Colosseum became a defensive structure, a kind of fortress that made it possible to defend against the barbarians. By the time it came under the rule of the Franks in about 750 AD, it already had a fairly long history. The restoration of the Colosseum began in the 1700s, and from the 19th century it began to be used for bullfighting. Now the arena in Nîmes is a tourist destination, as well as a venue for concerts.

2. Amphitheater in Arles, France

Near the city of Nîmes, there is another settlement called Arles, which also boasts the Roman part of its history. Despite the uniqueness and monumentality of the local Colosseum, it is not as well preserved as its counterpart in Nîmes. However, interestingly, the Colosseum in Arles is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the arena in Nimes is not.

Arles is a classic southern French town where you can watch the sun in blue skies over terracotta roofs all year round. It is known for the fact that in the XX century Van Gogh lived here, who painted scenes of bull fights that took place in the local arena.

Just like its Nimite counterpart, the Colosseum in Arles was a refuge for the French, who were terrorized by warlike and merciless barbarians. The inhabitants of Arles actually created a small settlement inside the arena itself, and also erected defensive towers around its perimeter. Curiously, it was only in the 19th century that the decision was made to clean up and remove residential buildings from the arena.

3. Italica, Spain

A little north of Seville, in a city called Santiponce, there are the ruins of another Roman building, as well as a whole complex connected to it. It is believed that it was built in 206 BC, around the time when Rome was actively fighting against Carthage, seeking its supremacy.

Soon this place will become home to the future emperor Hadrian, who was born there in 117 AD. The popularity and glory of the emperor was brought by defensive structures, in particular, Hadrian's Val, built in Great Britain. The dilapidated Colosseum is well represented in modern culture. For example, it was on the territory of Italica that one of the scenes of the seventh season of "Game of Thrones" was filmed, or rather, the moment when Daenerys Stormborn meets Queen Cersei.

4. Amphitheater in Pula, Croatia

The arena in Pula is located directly on the Croatian coast, opposite the city of Ravenna in Italy, which is located at the other end of the Adriatic Sea. The ruins of this structure are in fairly good condition today: all the outer walls are practically not destroyed and are well preserved.

It is believed that this Colosseum was built in the first millennium AD. Note that it was in this place that gladiatorial battles took place, which caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The main function of this place today is, of course, tourism. In addition, a film festival is held every summer in Pula, which is held in the building of the Colosseum.

5. Arena of Lutetia, France

Most people will be surprised by the fact that Paris, the modern capital of fashion, was formerly an important center of the Roman Empire. Despite the fact that this place could not be compared with any other large buildings at that time, it was Lutetia, or "house in the swamp" as it was called, became the residence of the Emperor Julian the Apostate and other important persons.

The local arena was built in the 1st century AD. and was considered rather small. On average, it accommodated only fifteen thousand people, which was comparatively less than in the Roman Colosseum. Today, only the inner wall and several rows of seats have survived.

The peculiarity of the arena lies in its relevance and modesty. It is located in the fifth arrondissement, and around it there are multi-storey, residential buildings. At some point in history, this place got lost and this continued until the 19th century.

6. Guildhall Yard, England

This Colosseum, located under modern London, is in the worst condition of any of its brethren. It was originally built in 70 AD, and its base was made of natural wood. Because of this, it took several centuries in a row to constantly make adjustments and repair it.

Despite the fact that few can connect Rome and Great Britain, it was in Londinium, which was the Roman administrative part of this country, that fairly large-scale gladiatorial battles and clashes between animals took place.

Today, the remains of the stone walls of the Colosseum are hidden inside the Guildhall Art Gallery. It uses special lighting and design to highlight the structure and give visitors a 3D model of what the Colosseum looked like during the Roman Empire.

After Rome fell, the ruins of the arena were buried and forgotten by more modern civilizations. However, at the time this arena was used for its intended purpose, it was an important part of the Roman identity, which spread from Caledonia to the Sahara itself.

7. Leptis Magna, Libya

This structure was created around the 7th century BC. and was part of the Phoenician city, stretching out on the shores of modern Libya. Just like the Tunisian El Jem, it fell under the possession of Rome after the collapse of Carthage.

Today the city and its buildings are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as they are represented by fairly well-preserved buildings and details. We are also talking about a small Colosseum, designed for sixteen thousand people.

The ruins of this place were covered with sand a hundred years after the collapse of Rome. This continued until the 20th century, which helped to save it from invaders, barbarians and plunderers of antiquities.

The ruins of this historic site are now in immediate danger. In 2011, NATO planned to bomb the Libyan rebel forces that were based around the Colosseum. Fortunately, however, this idea was quickly dropped. However, Libya is still considered a rather hot spot, and therefore the fate of Leptis Magna is in question.

8. El Jem, Tunisia

The Colosseum in Tunisia, which rises significantly above the plains of North Africa, is different from all others. Unlike other African buildings and attractions, which were often built on a hill, it was erected on a flat plane, for which there were no prerequisites.

Historians note that the Colosseum was created in 230 AD. in the territory that became Roman as a result of their victory over Carthage during the Third Punic War. Its capacity was thirty-five thousand people, which is practically not inferior to the main Roman arena. It is curious that the modern population of the city of El Jem, which is located a few hours from the ruins, is well below this mark. The structure of the arena includes three levels, equipped with arches and openings, where twisted, decorated Corinthian columns are installed.

Today, the Colosseum is in excellent condition, despite a number of events, including the barbarian attack on North Africa after the fall of Rome and others. The inhabitants of the city erected barricades in the Colosseum, using the monument as a defensive structure. In addition, this place was badly damaged in the 17th century during the Muradid War. Today it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Kom El Deka, Egypt

The conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great took place in 331 BC, after which a new capital was founded in his honor. Alexandria became the center of the future ruling dynasty of the Ptolemies - the pharaohs who came to power after the death of Alexander and ruled until the Romans conquered Egypt from the great queen Cleopatra in 30 BC.

During the reign of the pharaonic dynasty, Alexandria was filled with exotic riches and knowledge. After the Romans seized power, they built an amphitheater in the most expensive area of the city. Its construction required the best marble, and it was also quite modest, accommodating only eight hundred people. This only emphasized the elitism and uniqueness of this place, inaccessible to mere mortals. It is noted that because of this, it was used more for performances than for full-fledged gladiator fights.

In the modern world, the restoration of the ruins was taken up by the University of Warsaw, which for fifty years has invested effort and money in their restoration. Thanks to this, today the Colosseum is in excellent condition.

10. Lixus, Morocco

The country, referred to today as Morocco, at one time was called Mauritania and was part of the Roman provinces. It consisted of two main centers - Volubilis and Leaks. The first was located on fertile lands near Meknes, a holy place for local Islamic believers.

An American general named George Patton, interestingly, dismissed an offer to help a guide while visiting the ruins. This happened after Morocco was captured by the Allies during World War II. George also noted that he perfectly remembers this place and all its features, since in a past life he was there as a centurion.

Unlike other arenas, Lixus is often overlooked by tourists. It is located almost on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the oldest Colosseums in the entire ancient world.

Almost nothing is known about this building. Today it is also in a deplorable state and is empty. Historians who have studied the site have been able to find very obvious remains of a Roman settlement. Therefore, this place, which contains the elements and details of Roman life and everyday activities, is truly unique.

Continuing the topic of Rome, read also about how the six real stories ended, which are in no way inferior to the plot of "Game of Thrones".