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Roman Amphitheatres in Britain

Throughout the area covered by the Roman Empire the remains of 320 amphitheatres have been found so far, (click here to see a map showing all locations throughout the roman Empire) of these a scattering of 20 examples are fairly evenly spread over the UK.

For the Romans an amphitheatre was a public performance, spectacle or presentation space, somewhere you could have competitions, sports, performances, perhaps have gladiators perform, and in some cases also a practice area for the military.

Cirencester Amphitheatre, Gloucestershire

An amphitheatre also differed from a Roman Circus or Greek Hippodrome, both of which were used for chariot racing and horse racing and were shaped more like a very long, narrow horse shoe although sometimes fully joined up.

An amphitheatre in a community became a prized symbol of Roman citizenship in the outlying areas of the empire and in some cases there is documented evidence of citizens having made their fortunes financing the development of large amphitheatres, in some cases unnecessarily large, for their home area.

Roman Theatres

In addition to amphitheatres, the Romans had theatres in some places.

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium (St Albans) is unique. Built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre. Initially, the arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. From about 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium extended. By about 300AD, after some redevelopment work, the Theatre could seat 2000 spectators.
The ruin can be explored now. http://www.romantheatre.co.uk/details.html

or see our Location Guide on The Roman Theatre and Verulamium

The full list of remains found of Amphitheatres in Britain:-