Amphitheater of Pula

The Amphithéâtre of Pula (Istrie, Croatia) was built during at the time of the Ier century, under the reign of the emperor Auguste, then it was rebuilt and increased by the emperor Vespasien (79 a. J. - C.)

It was elliptic, the length of the main roads was of 133 meters and 105 meters for the small-axis, and it 35 meters was high. It could accommodate to 24.000 spectators. It was one of the largest amphitheaters built by the Romans, 6th by its dimensions. Many combat of gladiators were held in its enclosure during the Antiquité.

With the the Middle Ages, it was initially used for engagements then its stones were partly withdrawn to build other buildings in the town of Pula, in particular the Castle with the XVe century.

Restored thereafter, it can now accommodate to 5.000 people and is used still today for plays or the festivals of film summer. It is particularly impressive by its height, since the three levels of its external enclosure are preserved perfectly.

See too

List of the Roman amphitheaters
largest Roman amphitheaters

Gallery of images

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