Visite découverte - Les Arènes, 2000 ans d’histoire

From its construction to its rediscovery, from the first excavations to the restoration work, and from the ancient festivals to today's festivities, discover the 2,000-year history of the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in Saintes. Older than the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheatre in Saintes was large enough to hold 15,000 spectators. It offered the inhabitants of the ancient city some of the most popular shows of the time: gladiatorial combat and wild animal clashes. After more than three centuries in service, it was abandoned, but thanks to its ingenious construction, it has stood the test of time rather well.