Rotomagus amphitheatre, Roman amphitheatre in Rouen, France
The Rotomagus amphitheatre was a large oval stone structure with tiered seating arranged in multiple levels. It made use of the natural hillside and included underground passages that allowed crowds to enter and exit efficiently.
The structure was built in the late 2nd century when Rouen was an important Roman centre. After standing for centuries, it was partly demolished in 1204 when King Philip II took control of the city and reused its foundations for a new fortress.
The site once served as the main gathering place for gladiatorial contests and public entertainment that brought the community together. Today the surrounding street layout and nearby buildings still echo the importance this former venue held in the city's daily life.
The site sits in central Rouen among historic buildings and is easily reached on foot. Since the remains lie mostly underground, there is little to see above ground, so visiting nearby museums helps you understand the history.
An underground spring called Gaalor supplied water to the structure and allowed for cleaning and serving the crowds. This natural resource was so valuable that it later supplied the new fortress built on top of the ruins.
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