Roman amphitheatres are theatres — large, circular or oval open-air venues with raised seating — built by the ancient Romans. They were used for events such as gladiator combats, venationes and executions. About 230 Roman amphitheatres have been found across the area of the Roman Empire. Early amphitheatres date from the Republican period, though they became more monumental during the Imperial era.
The Colosseum, the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built, and a popular tourist attraction
Vomitorium of the Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
The Amphitheatre of Pompeii in the 1800s, one of the earliest known Roman amphitheatres
The Arles Amphitheatre as a fortified settlement, 18th-century engraving
A Roman circus was a large open-air venue used mainly for chariot races, although sometimes serving other purposes. It was similar to the ancient Greek hippodrome. Along with theatres and amphitheatres, circuses were one of the main entertainment venues at the time.
The site of the former Circus Maximus in modern-day Rome
Floorplan of Circus Maximus. This design is typical of Roman circuses.
Circus, with chariot-race going on: the central division (spina) with its dolphin fountains, and the conical metae. Astarte on her lion, placed on the spina, being the tutelary goddess of Carthage, may indicate that this is the Circus of Carthage. After engraving in sard, much enlarged in the drawing; found at Binchester (Binovium).
Image: Arles, cirque romain 5