Anfiteatro Castrense

The anfiteatro Castrense is situated in rome and was probably built by Emperor Eliogabalo, between 218 and 222 d.C.

In the Regional Catalogues it is quoted with the name "Anfiteatrum Castrense" - in Latin castrum means camp, however later on in that period it will mean the Emperor's Residence seeing as the amphitheatre was part of the building complex known as Palazzo Sessoriano.

One hall of the building was used to construct the Church of santa Croce in Gerusalemme. It was probably constructed together with the rest of the building and remained in use up to the construction of the Mura Aureliane. The conservation of the amphitheatre is probably due to these walls.

It is said that in the third century, the amphitheatre was destined to shows and military manouvres.

It has an elliptical shape (88 x 75.80 metres) and nowadays presents part of the foundations in Roman concrete. Only one part is evident because of the lowering of the surrounding countryside. The elevated part isin brickwork.