Since the late 1800s, archaeologists have uncovered ruins of sophisticated structures from the Roman era throughout the modern-day city. But where was the amphitheater? For more than a century, archaeologists failed to find any trace
Just like Roman citizens throughout the empire, the population of Londinium, or Roman London, enjoyed a wide range of cultural pursuits. Since the late 1800s, archaeologists have uncovered ruins of sophisticated structures from the Roman era throughout the modern-day city, including Billingsgate Bathhouse, where Romans bathed and socialized; the forum, their public meeting place; and a basilica larger than present-day St. Paul’s Cathedral to worship their many gods.
Archaeologists went on to reveal a sloped outer wall that provided tiered seating, curving down to an inner wall surrounding the floor. The floor plan of the 23-foot-wide entrance passage, through which wild beasts, gladiators, and criminals once passed on their way into the arena, remained intact. Small chambers on either side, fronted by trapdoors, may have been used as changing rooms, shrines, or wild animal pens.
This completely unexpected discovery ended decades of guesswork as to where Roman London’s amphitheater may have existed. The underground ruins survived thanks to their waterlogged conditions that preserved the timbers and other typically perishable elements. An evening at the amphitheater brought a variety of entertainment. Politicians honored gods and emperors. Animal fights and hunts were reenacted with wild boars, bulls, and brown bears . Gladiatorial combat, athletic contests, acrobatics, wrestling, boxing, and racing were much loved essentials.
But the amphitheater offered more than pure entertainment. It was a political creation. So the ancient Roman poet Juvenal explained around A.D. 100, “bread and circuses” were the two pillars of a city that kept the Roman mob happy. Provide people with food and entertainment, and they won’t focus on politics and society’s problems, and perhaps revolt.One of 39 Roman skulls dumped in the Walbrook Valley, probably the remains of decapitated criminals.
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