Porolissum - Amphitheater

The amphitheater at Porolissum is one of the best-preserved features at the archaeological park. It is situated to the south of the fortress on an artificial terrace and was scientifically excavated under the direction of prof. Istvan Bajusz. The amphitheater consisted of an earthen surface for combat, games and performances surrounded by seating. Seating was furnished by means of a radial vaulting system, similar to amphitheaters, theaters and circuses throughout the Roman world. The dimensions are approximately 84 x 73 meters with a pair of opposing entrances on the west and east sides; based upon the robustness of the walls and comparison with other amphitheaters, the outer wall may have stood 8-12 meters. Such dimensions permitted several thousand spectators. Just south of the western entrance, within one of the vaults, was a shrine dedicated to the god Nemesis, a protector of soldiers and gladiators. An inscription provides the identification of the god: Neme/si sac(rum) / Nepos / ce(nturio) n(umeri) Pal(myrenorum) (A.E. 2003, 1468)

In its first phase, early 2nd century A.D., the seating elements of the amphitheater were constructed in wood. An inscription unearthed by Bajusz's team indicates that the amphitheater was built in stone in the 20th year of the reign of emperor Antoninus Pius, namely in A.D. 157: Imp(erator) Caesar T(itus) Ael(ius) Hadri/anus Antoninus Aug(ustus) Pi/us p(ontifex) m(aximus) trib(unicia) pot(estate) XX imp(erator) II co(n)s(ul) / IIII p(ater) p(atriae) amphitheatrum vetus/tate dilapsum denuo fe/cit curante Tib(erio) Cl(audio) Quinti/liano proc(uratore) suo  (C.I.L. 03, 00836).
(composed 2015 for website of Transylvania Alive Association for Cultural Heritage) 

Amphitheater at Porolissum. (photo Eric De Sena, 2011)