Arena of Nîmes
The Arena of Nîmes (French: Arènes de Nîmes) is a Roman amphitheatre in Nîmes, southern France. Built around 100 CE, shortly after the Colosseum of Rome, it is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. It is 133 metres (436 ft) long and 101 metres (331 ft) wide, with an arena measuring 68 by 38 metres (223 by 125 ft). The outer facade is 21 metres (69 ft) high with two storeys of 60 arcades. It is among the 20 largest Roman amphitheatres of the 400 in existence. In Roman times, the building could hold 24,000 spectators, who were spread over 34 tiers of terraces divided into four self-contained zones or maeniana.
Exterior of the Arena of Nîmes | |
Shown within France | |
| Location | France, Nîmes |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°50′06″N 4°21′36″E |
| Type | Roman amphitheatre |
| History | |
| Founded | 70 CE |
| Periods | Roman Empire |
| Site notes | |
| Original Capacity: ~20,000 Current: 13,800 | |
During Roman times, the Arena of Nîmes functioned as an arena where gladiators battled each other and wild animals. The advent of early medieval Christianity marked the end of these events, prompting the transformation of the amphitheater into a fortress and subsequently a walled town. The 19th century saw the restoration of the arena, accompanied by the removal of houses that had been constructed inside it.
Nowadays, the Arena of Nîmes is the site of two annual bullfights during the Feria de Nîmes, and it is also used for other public events like the reenactment of antiquity "The great Roman Games" and for concerts.