Libya: Leptis Magna – Arena

The Arena is located somewhat away from the main sites of Leptis Magna and is almost a site on its own. It’s near the sea and carved into a natural valley, it was built in 56 AD and could hold up to 16,000 spectators. Measuring approximately 100x80m, it features tiered seating carved into the rock, with subterranean chambers for gladiators and animals. The arena hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts (venationes), and public spectacles. Often, exotic African animals like lions and elephants, were featured. The arena is very well-preserved, with intact seating and underground passages – the centuries of sand accumulation protected it until modern excavations.