Rimini Roman Amphitheatre

Amphitheatre in Rimini

The construction of the Roman Amphitheatre, known as l’anfiteatro romano, was commissioned by the Emperor Hadrian, a fact supported by the discovery of a coin featuring the emperor within its walls. This impressive structure dates back to the 2nd century AD and serves as an exemplar of the “panem et circenses strategy,” a policy aimed at securing public approval and alleviating social tensions by providing the people with moments of collective diversion.

The amphitheatre was strategically situated in a peripheral area on the outskirts of Ariminum, near the port. Its location made it easily accessible by road, facilitating the arrival of visitors by land. The remnants of this magnificent edifice, which once hosted gladiatorial games and contests, stand as some of the most significant archaeological finds in the entire region.

The Roman Amphitheatre takes the form of an oval structure constructed of concrete and adorned with bricks. It comprised two superimposed tiers of 60 arches, each standing at a towering height of more than 15 meters. With a seating capacity of over 10,000 spectators, it boasted an arena that was slightly smaller in size than the famous Colosseum in Rome.

Interestingly, after just over a century of use, the arena ceased to function as an entertainment venue and was incorporated into the protective walls that were erected during a period when the city sought to defend itself against the threats posed by invading barbarian forces. This transition from a place of spectacle to one of defence reflects the dynamic history and evolving role of Rimini over the centuries.

The Rimini Roman Amphitheatre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rimini!

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