Arenes de Nimes, France

One of the largest amphitheaters in the world is located in the French city of Nimes. The magnificent exterior facade of the amphitheater is decorated with 120 arches. The length of the elliptical arena of the theater is 133 meters, and the width is 101 meters. The ancient theater can accommodate up to 24000 spectators. The unique historical sight is well-known to those who visit film and music festivals in Nimes. The most important cultural events take place on the old arena.

The exact history of the construction of the amphitheatre is unknown. According to one of the versions, the theater was built in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Domitianus. Scientists have found that a great gladiatorial school was located in Nimes in ancient times. Exciting battles took place on the huge arena regularly. A confirmation of their theory are numerous inscriptions on the walls of the arena, among which you can see names of gladiators, and results of the battles.

In the 6th - 7th centuries the ancient arena lost its original meaning. During the Great Migration of Nations it was used as a fortress. The arena retained an important strategic importance until the Middle Ages, by the 18th century it was actually converted into a fortress. Outside the walls of the amphitheater were residential buildings, churches and even markets. All buildings were completely destroyed in 1786, when the first large-scale reconstruction of the theater began. Already by 1853 the amphitheater has been returned to its original appearance. Since the middle of the 19th century the most spectacular and interesting events have been held there. Next - Κourion Ancient Amphitheater