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Roman Amphitheatre in Albano Laziale: The Arena of the Parthian-Conquering Second Legion
The Roman Amphitheatre is located in Albano Laziale, in Via Anfiteatro Romano. The complex dates from the 3rd century AD, built at the behest of Septimius Severus or his son Caracalla for the soldiers of the Legio II Parthica encamped in the city. The arena could hold approximately 16,000 spectators, comparable to the amphitheatres of Pozzuoli and Capua. It was used for gladiatorial shows, venationes (animal hunts) with exotic animals and military training. It is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Lazio.
The Architectural Structure
The building is elliptical, 113 metres long and 88 metres wide, with perimeter walls in opus latericium still standing up to 20 metres high. The cavea is half carved out of the hillside tuff rock, half built above ground with arcades and vaulted corridors. Still recognisable are the entrance gates to the arena, the vomitoria for spectators and the underground areas where gladiators and animals were kept. The seating tiers have collapsed, but the supporting structure remains, with niches, staircases and ambulatories.
Visiting and Military Context
The amphitheatre can be visited from the outside, and partially inside, along stabilised pathways. From the arena floor one can see the entire structure and its relationship with the hilly landscape. The monument is part of the Legio II Parthica complex, together with the Cisternoni, the Baths of Cellomaio and the remains of the military camp. The amphitheatre is 5 minutes' walk from the centre of Albano, along the road descending towards Ariccia.
