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Roman Amphitheatre in Cassino: the Arena of Ummidia Quadratilla
The Roman Amphitheatre of Cassino stands just outside the walls of ancient Casinum. It was built — or perhaps just restored — by the matron Ummidia Quadratilla, who financed it in the second half of the 1st century AD, as attested by two inscriptions discovered in previous centuries. Ummidia also paid for a temple, of which no trace remains.
Compact, elliptical, set against the hillside
The builders took advantage of the natural slope to support the elliptical structure, measuring 85 by 69 metres — modest dimensions compared to other Roman amphitheatres. The tiers of the cavea could hold around 4,500 spectators, who entered through three openings along the perimeter. Two gates on the main axis afforded direct access to the arena, while a separate entrance higher up led to the honorary stand - the tribunal - reserved for the authorities. The arena had no underground passages: the only trace that remains is a small drainage channel.
From the gladiators' arena to medieval spoliation
The building was used for wild beast hunts and gladiatorial combats. Naval battles were not feasible: the structure was too small, and lacked the sealing elements needed to fill the arena with water. During the Middle Ages, the structure underwent extensive spoliation.
