The oval arena has existed since the 4th century, built in an abandoned quarry measuring approximately 50m in length and 40m in width.
Swiss archaeologists have discovered the remains of a Roman arena, where spectators could watch gladiator battles and hunting events, Live Science reported on January 26. The ancient structure was uncovered while they were monitoring the construction of a new boat house on the Rhine River in Kaiseraugst, Aargau, in December 2021.
About 1/4 of the oval arena’s wall has been excavated. (Photo: Kantonsarchäologie Aargau)
The oval arena is located within a Roman quarry that was used until the late antiquity period before being abandoned. Additionally, the team of experts also found a coin dated between 337 and 341. These elements indicate that the arena dates back to the 4th century. Thus, this is the latest discovered arena in the Roman Empire, according to archaeologist Jakob Baerlocher, the head of the excavation team in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.
Other evidence also supports that the arena dates from the 4th century, including the types of building materials, such as stone blocks and mortar reminiscent of late antique city walls, Baerlocher noted.
Experts at the Aargau State Archaeology Office were aware of the existence of the ancient Roman quarry but did not expect to find an arena there. The arena measures about 50m long and 40m wide, situated in the valley of the quarry. Nearby is Castrum Rauracense, a fortress on the northern border of the Roman Empire around 300 AD.
The excavation team uncovered a large gate on the southern side of the arena, flanked by two entrances. To the west, they found sandstone blocks near another entrance. The walls inside the arena were plastered. Additionally, scientists discovered traces of a post in the wooden spectator area.
“All the evidence – the oval shape, the entrances, and the location of the spectator posts – indicates that this is an arena,” a representative from the Aargau Department of Education, Culture, and Sports stated in a press release.
This is not the only ancient Roman arena discovered in recent years. For example, in the spring of 2021, Turkish archaeologists announced the discovery of a Roman arena that could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. However, the newly discovered arenas in Turkey and Switzerland are smaller than the Colosseum – the Roman arena in Rome. This architectural wonder was built around 70 AD, with a capacity of 50,000 people and a central arena area measuring up to 87m x 55m.
