The Arena of Arles

Photos: Füsun Kavrakoğlu, 2026.

From the 3^rd century BC, gladiator combats were organized in Rome when important funerals took place. These first games simply took place on the Forum where temporary wooden seating was set up. Very rapidly, the popularity of gladiator combats led to the construction of multiple amphitheatres in the Western part of the Empire. The best known and one of the largest is the Coliseum, built between 72 BC and 80 BC in Rome. It became a model throughout the Empire during the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries.

The Amphitheatre was constructed to the North East of the ancient town, on the Northern slopes of the Hauture Hill. It towered above a part of town stretching down to the Rhone. To build the monument, the natural rock was levelled to the South and the North Eastern side of the hill was heightened, in order to create a vast esplanade.

With a main axis 136 metres long and a minor axis 107 metres wide, the Arena of Arles is slightly larger than that of Nimes and figures in 20^th position among the amphitheatres of the Roman world. The shape is elliptical. The 21 metre high façade is composed of two levels of sixty semi circular arches.

Gladiator combats (munera) are the best known shows. The troops consisted of several categories of fighters, usually working in carefully balanced pairs. They were differentiated by their equipment and fighting techniques.

From the end of Antiquity, the building became a dwelling place before becoming a refuge for the local population. In the Middle Ages its defences were reinforced by four towers. This gives a specific aspect to the Arena of Arles. The Amphitheatre truly became a small town, with an open square in the centre and a chapel.

The clearing and restoration of the Roman monuments started in 1822. This major decision taken by the city council was to remain a main objective for 100 years. This meant the compulsory purchase of the houses built, both inside the building and onto the façade, then their demolition.

Throughout the 19^th century, several successive campaigns were carried out, under the authority of various Historic Monuments Architects.

The Arena of Arles, Vincent van Gogh, 1888.