Attraction Guide: Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre, Cirencester, UK

Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre Guide

Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre: Echoes of Ancient Corinium Guide

Step back in time and imagine the roar of the crowd at the Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain. Though now largely earthworks, this impressive site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Roman past of Corinium Dobunnorum, as Cirencester was known in Roman times. Explore the grassy banks and envision the gladiatorial contests, public executions, and animal hunts that once took place within these ancient walls. The Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre was built in the early 2nd century AD, during the height of Roman rule in Britain. Corinium was then the second-largest town in Roman Britain, and the amphitheatre served as a vital centre for entertainment and public gatherings. It is estimated that the amphitheatre could hold up to 8,000 spectators. After the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century, the amphitheatre fell into disuse and gradually became overgrown, eventually disappearing beneath the earth. It was rediscovered in the 19th century and has since been preserved as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A visit to the Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre is a unique opportunity to connect with the past. Walk around the perimeter of the amphitheatre and imagine the sights and sounds of Roman life. Climb to the top of the banks for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site is open to the public and free to enter, making it an accessible and educational experience for all. Combine your visit with a trip to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, which houses a remarkable collection of Roman artifacts discovered in the area, providing further insight into the history of Roman Corinium.