Ancient Roman arena discovered in Turkey

The newly discovered arena in Turkey is like the Colosseum in Rome, which holds gladiator matches with a capacity of about 20,000 people.

The famous Roman arena in Italy Referring to the Roman arena, people often talk about a large area that can accommodate tens of thousands of people with ancient and beautiful designs in Italy. But recently archaeologists discovered a Roman arena in Turkey, very similar to the famous one in Rome but much smaller in size. Arena in Turkey used to host gladiator matches about 1,800 years ago with a capacity of 20,000 people. Meanwhile, the Roman arena in Rome began construction in AD 70, when the Vespasian emperor, with a total capacity of about 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Archaeologists locate the arena amidst the ruins of the ancient city Mastaura, Aydin province. The arena was partially buried and obscured by vegetation. Ancient roman arena discovered in Turkey The building has gladiator lounges and guest rooms. The whole monuments are preserved in good condition. Like the Roman arena in Italy, the arena in Turkey was built in the shape of a circle, instead of the typical semicircle of many ancient buildings.
Archaeologist Sedat Akkurnaz of Adnan Menderes University, who led the study, said the discovery was unique. Sedat Akkurnaz said: “This is the only example of such a solid existence in Anatolia. The structure is difficult to detect because it is heavily obscured by bushes, wild trees. Most of the arena is below ground. The arena is very sturdy as if it had just been built, meanwhile, the rest of the structure is on the ground, consisting of several rows of arena seats and external support walls. The dome-building technique of Roman architecture looks very good. Archaeologist Sedat Akkurnaz also explained that the arena is the venue for gladiator battles and wildlife. Near the old city of Mastaura, there are many major cities in western Anatolia such as Aphrodisias, Miletus, Priene, Magnesia and Ephesus. Therefore, people from neighboring cities also come to Mastaura to witness the battles with their own eyes. Part of the wall of the ancient arena in Turkey Experts believe that the arena in Turkey was built during the reign of Severan dynasty, during the Roman empire. This royal lineage includes the infamous Caracalla, his father Septimius Severus, who died in York after his campaign to conquer Scotland. Archaeologist Sedat Akkurnaz said: “We do not know exactly who the emperor was. But through the stone construction, the construction of the building, I think it was at the same time as the Severus dynasty. The city of Mastaura was very prosperous and prosperous. It was during this period that the Roman administrators greatly helped the city. There was a considerable increase in the number and variety of Mastauran coins during this period ” . Although the arena in Mastaura cannot match the structures in Rome in terms of scale, it is still a remarkable area. Sedat Akkurnaz said: “At this stage, it is difficult to accurately or approximate the audience. Our initial estimate was between 15,000 and 20,000. The gladiators had their own lounges, the audience was excellent. first has entertainment room “. In the near future, with the support of the local authorities, they will take action to conserve the parts most at risk of failure. According to Sedat Akkurnaz, there are cracks in the walls of the building, some of the stones are falling.