Roman Amphitheatre, Venosa, Italy

Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, The Roman Amphitheatre of Venosa was deprived of many works and ornaments, which are currently located in other monuments in Venosa (many were used to erect the adjacent incomplete church). The first excavation was commissioned in the 19th century, where a series of bronzes, coins, and terracottas were found, but due to neglect, the ruins were buried again. Only in 1935 was everything brought back to light.

The Roman Amphitheater has an elliptical shape, with three levels, partly built above ground and partly created by terracing the ground on which it stands. The major axis measures 70 meters, while the minor axis is 40 meters. Based on these measurements, it is believed that this structure could accommodate approximately ten thousand spectators in its time. The lowest level is that of the arena, where the terrace of the 'podium' for important figures is located. There are two additional levels, supported by three concentric ambulatories.

User Reviews

Serena Devillanova (14 months ago)
The star alone is aimed at the authorities of duty who are evidently not doing their job to preserve and enhance this treasure. Truly a disappointing miss! The day Italy understands that blocking, banning means losing, then it will be worthy of boasting its history.

Roberto Castellani (15 months ago)
Naturally the star refers to how it is kept, certainly not to its historical and cultural importance which will be lost forever if someone does not intervene by recovering the site currently in a state of semi-abandonment.

Paolo Fava (3 years ago)
Abandoned that cannot be visited, unfortunately it is closed and without any description and sign.

Mirko Ferrarese (4 years ago)
In a state of abandonment it is not possible to visit it. Now crumbling structures can be seen in the distance. It is not possible to approach as there is a gate and a fence.

Nicola Ditommaso (7 years ago)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Staffan O Andersson

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Before the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was the seat of Swedish kings and a ceremonial site known all over northern Europe. The settlement was home to royal palaces, a royal burial ground, and a great pagan temple. The Uppsala temple, which was described in detail by Adam of Bremen in the 1070s, housed wooden statues of the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Freyr. A golden chain hung across its gables and the inside was richly decorated with gold. The temple had priests, who sacrificed to the gods according to the needs of the people.

The first Christian cathedral was probably built in the 11th century, but finished in the 12th century. The stone building may have been preceded by a wooden church and probably by the large pagan temple.

Roman Amphitheatre

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