Cirencester Amphitheatre was a Roman amphitheatre located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England.[1] Archeological digs have uncovered the earthworks, revealing the outline of the construction, which is still visible, with the banking reaching 25 feet from the bottom of the arena.[1] The arena itself is approximately 150 feet (46 m) by 135 feet (41 m).[2] Roman artefacts including coins and pottery have been discovered on the site.[3] It is estimated that it was constructed towards the beginning of the 2nd century.[1]
In Roman Britain, Cirencester was known as Corinium Dobunnorum, and was the second biggest town in Britannia, after Londinium (London).[1] This amphitheatre is also the second largest, which indicates the significance of the location in Roman times.[1] Although only slightly larger in diameter than the amphitheatre in Silchester, it has much higher sides.[4] The earthworks show evidence of tiered wooden seats for around 8000 people, placed upon terraces made of stone.[1] There are two entrances, located at the North-Eastern and South-Western ends of the stadium.[1]
During the 5th century, when the Western Roman Empire was under attack and soldiers returned to Rome to defend it, the amphitheatre was fortified to defend against the invading Saxons.[1][5] Wooden structures were erected within the arena itself, placed in postholes, and a portion of the North-Eastern entrance was blocked.[3]
Unlike other amphitheatres, it is aligned in parallel to the streets of the town itself.[6]
It has also been referred to as the 'Bull Ring', because the sport of bull-baiting used to take place there.[7]