Stadium of Domitian, Archaeological museum beneath Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy.
The Stadium of Domitian is an ancient sports arena beneath Piazza Navona in Rome, with brick arches and corridors still clearly visible. The excavated remains show how the structure of brick and travertine once shaped the oval outline of the square above.
Emperor Domitian commissioned the construction of this arena in 80 AD to bring Greek-style athletic contests to Rome. The structure remained in use for centuries until its stones were repurposed for other buildings during the medieval period.
The site still carries the name of the Roman emperor who commissioned it and served as a venue for contests modeled on Greek traditions. Visitors can walk through the underground rooms where athletes once prepared before stepping out to face the crowd.
The excavated areas lie several meters below street level and are reached by stairs that lead through narrow passages. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to read the information panels along the route.
The modern Piazza Navona follows the exact shape of this structure, so visitors can trace the outline of the ancient sports ground simply by walking around the square above. Some buildings at the edge rest directly on the old foundations and use the Roman walls as load-bearing supports.
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