LOCATIONS
The Amphitheatre is located 200 meters northeast, outside the city walls of Pula, in accordance with the Roman land division network. It is believed that construction began during the reign of Emperor Augustus and was financed by the imperial treasury. The two central axes of the outer wall measure 132.5 m and 105.1 m, and the maximum height is 32.45 m. The Amphitheatre was built in the Tuscan style, had its own drainage channels, and is estimated to have accommodated approximately 23,000 spectators. The Amphitheatre has four floors, but in the eastern part, on the elevated terrain, only the two upper floors rise. In the main axis of the ground floor, the arches are larger than the others, emphasizing the main entrances.
The first floor of the auditorium was built around the entire circumference of the amphitheatre with 72 semicircular arcades. The second floor belonged to a circular gallery with 64 square windows, covered by a sloped roof of ceramic tiles and cups. The axes of the oval arena measure 67.9 x 41.6 m. Below the arena, there is an auxiliary underground room, carved into the living rock and partially built up. It served for storing various technical aids. In case of bad weather, the auditorium was covered with a canvas using pulleys and ropes. Wooden masts, supporting the canvas, passed through designated openings in the stone gutter.
The Amphitheatre in Pula differs from others in having four rectangular towers. Wooden stairs were located within them. At the top of each tower, there were two cisterns, which were filled with rainwater.
Gladiatorial fights and animal hunts were organized in the amphitheatre. Entry was free, but seating arrangements strictly followed social hierarchy. Public trials were held in the arena, and the punishment of *ad bestias*, intended for murderers, robbers, and rebels, was carried out. The historical story of the martyrdom of St. Germanus, the patron saint of Pula, is associated with the Amphitheatre in Pula.
After the prohibition of gladiatorial shows in the early 5th century, the amphitheatre was abandoned to the removal of building stone, but it always remained public property. For centuries, it attracted the attention of travelers, artists, and architects. Archaeological research of the amphitheatre began in the mid-18th century, and its conservation continues today.