This photo shows the reconstructed arena.

building

Sited on a hill, with the more rounded side of the structure towards the east, the late afternoon sun illuminated the stage area*. The theatre was used for both theatre and spectacles, such as gladiator fights. The Arenes has also been called an amphithŽatre ˆ sc�ne*. Its facade is composed of 41 bays, consisting of an arch with half columns on each side. The stage backdrop involves fictive architecture - nine niches with framing armature*. Flags holders in the attic permitted displays of flags to be flown at the the theatre. Made of fine ashlar, the arenes is not as grand as other arenas in Gaul. The arena measured 131 x 100 m.*

decorative program

Flags would have decorated the arena.

historical context

The theatre was used into the fourth century and after a period of abandonment, may have been reappropriated for theater in the sixth century*.

The ruins which lay beside the Abbey of Saint-Victor, are mentioned in a twelfth century account and are called "Les Areinnes" in an act of 1248. They are also referred to as "Clos des Ar�nes."* After Vacquer's1860s rediscovery of the ruins during road construction some supported reconstruction of the ruins and others favored complete destruction. Some of those supporting reconstruction formed the SociŽtŽ des Ar�nes to better promote their position. Victor Hugo later weighed in on the issue, supporting conservation*.

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