The world's 10 most famous Roman amphitheatres

Ever since we visited some of the most impressive amphitheatres in Europe, they have fascinated us. To think that these huge arenas were built around 2000 years ago! It's hard to believe that they didn't just build one or two, but that they existed. just everywhere around the Roman Empire. It's dizzying to think back, to say the least. We started thinking about which amphitheatres we had missed and which are the most famous Roman amphitheatres in the world?

The world's most famous Roman amphitheatres

A Roman amphitheatre is a large circular arena, which in ancient times was used for various spectacles, such as gladiatorial games and animal fights. Remains of more than 230 (!) amphitheatres have been found throughout the Roman Empire.

Which are the world's most famous Roman amphitheatres is perhaps a little difficult to judge, but we've simply used a number of English-language lists found online. We count down, from number ten to number one. Have you seen any of these amphitheatres, or would you like to see any of them?

10th Uthina, Tunisia

Uthina, or Oudna, was an ancient Roman city located near Tunis in Tunisia. This amphitheatre, which was excavated in 1993, could accommodate about 16 000 spectators.

9. Pozzuoli, Italy

The amphitheatre at Pozzuoli, just outside Naples, is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Italy. The theatre, which was later buried in the ashes of a volcano, could accommodate over 20,000 spectators. Little remains of the upper rows, but cages where animals were held captive have been preserved.

8. leptis magna, Libya

In ancient times, Leptis Magna was an important Roman trading town on the coast of what is now Libya. After the economic crisis of the 20th century, the town was increasingly abandoned and in 523 it was sacked by Berbers. Today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman amphitheatre dates from 56 AD and could accommodate about 16,000 spectators. Unlike most other amphitheatres, it was built underground.

7. Arles, France

The amphitheatre in Arles in the south of France could at one time accommodate over 20,000 spectators, seated on three levels. From 1830 to the present day, bullfighting has been organised in the arena, which doesn't seem too far removed from the bloody habits of the Romans ...

6. Nimes, France

The amphitheatre in Nimes, France, could at one time accommodate 24 000 seated spectators. In the Middle Ages, a fortified palace was built within the walls of the amphitheatre and in the 19th century it began to be used for bullfighting. Today it is still used for both bullfighting and concerts.

5th Pompeii, Italy

In 79 AD, the volcano Vesuvius had its infamous eruption, burying the city of Pompeii and preserving it for posterity. The amphitheatre in Pompeii was built in 70 BC, making it one of the oldest in the world. It could accommodate around 20,000 visitors, the equivalent of the entire population of the city.

4. Pula, Croatia

Amphitheatre in Pula, or Arena as it is commonly known, is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in Croatia and once held 26,000 spectators. Today the amphitheatre is used for many different festivals and events.

3. Verona, Italy

The amphitheatre in Verona is one of the largest in the world. The outer ring was almost completely destroyed during a major earthquake in 1117, but the inner part is still well preserved. This amphitheatre could once accommodate 30,000 spectators. In ancient times it hosted gladiatorial fights, in the Middle Ages tournaments and today it hosts opera performances.

2. El Djem, Tunisia

The Roman the amphitheatre in El Djem in Tunisia is the third largest in the world, after Rome's Colosseum and the largely destroyed theatre in the ancient Italian city of Capua. The amphitheatre in El Djem once held 35,000 spectators and was used to film some of the scenes in the film Gladiator.

1. the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

The Colosseum in Rome is the largest and most famous amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. This impressive amphitheatre held a maximum of 87,000 spectators and had no less than 80 entrances. The inaugural festival lasted 100 days, while 11,000 wild animals were killed ...

Curious about more top 10 lists on architecture? Read the Food and Travel blog's post on The world's longest bridges!