🩸 Spartacus's Cradle of Rebellion: The Grand Ruins of Capua's Colosseum ⚔️🦁
The Capua Amphitheater was a majestic structure with a capacity for 60,000 spectators, so grand it is thought to have modeled the Colosseum.
It featured an elliptical plan with four floors, adorned with statues (e.g., Venus, Psyche, Adonis). It had four dedicated main entrances for dignitaries and ceremonial use. Its historical name may have meant 'round fortress' or 'bear den,' referencing the animal hunts.
The seating area was divided into five levels, with only the lowest (ima) and small parts of the middle (media) sections partially visible today.
The structure featured a complex subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and passages. This underground level, still explorable, was key to the spectacle, housing performers, gladiators, and wild animals.
The arena was equipped with trap doors to dramatically haul up scenery (trees, columns) or cages containing the wild beasts used in the combats.
Curiosity : ⚔️ The Revolt of Spartacus (73–71 BC)
The Capua Amphitheater was home to the gladiator school from which the famous Revolt of Spartacus began in 73 BC.
Over 70 slave-gladiators escaped the school due to inhumane conditions, growing into an army of nearly 120,000 rebels (slaves, shepherds, peasants).
The two-year rebellion ended in 71 BC with the defeat of the rebels. Spartacus died in battle, and General Crassus crucified approximately 6,000 prisoners along the Appian Way as a warning.
Despite the defeat, the revolt significantly influenced Roman politics for centuries.
What to visit 👁️
The Capua archaeological complex offers several points of interest:
The Amphitheater Ruins: The primary focus, including the famous, explorable underground tunnels (hypogeum).
Museum of Gladiators: Dedicated to the history and artifacts of the combatants trained at Capua's famous school.
The Mithraeum: One of the world's most beautiful and important underground sanctuaries dedicated to the god Mithras.
The site is rounded out by visitor amenities, including a large lawn, a bar, and a book shop.
📍 Location : Via Roberto d'Angiò, 48 81055 Santa Maria Capua Vetere
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