Archaeologists they discovered an amphitheater, like an arena, that looks like Colosseum of Rome, in the ancient Mastavra of Lydia, near Aydin Turkey. Authorities say the construction is a unique example of Eastern Roman architecture in Asia Minor.
The arena was almost “buried” under dense vegetation, in a location covered by olive trees and fig orchards, the Daily Mail. The ruins are well preserved and it seems that the arena – like the Colosseum – was built in the shape of a crescent, which was quite common in ancient amphitheaters. Of course, compared to the Colosseum, the capacity of the arena in Mastavra is significantly smaller.
The structure also stands out from others due to its shape, which is completely oval. Archaeologists believe the structure was used for sporting events in Mastavra 1,800 years ago.
“The discovery is unique,” said Adnan Menderes University’s archaeologist and head of research, Sedat Akurnaz.
“There is no other example of such an amphitheater in Anatolia. It is the only one that survived to such an extent. “Most of the arena is under the ground, so it has been kept almost intact.”
The Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater still standing, is 188 meters (617 feet) long and 156 meters wide. Similar amphitheaters exist in the west of present-day Turkey, but most have largely collapsed.
“In the parts of the arena that are above the ground, some of the rows of seats can be seen, the arena where the gladiators were fighting and the retaining walls outside. “The arched and vaulted construction techniques of Roman architecture seem to be in good condition,” Akurnaz explains.
Researchers believe the arena dates back to 200 AD, during the Chevron dynasty in the Roman Empire. “During this dynasty, the city of Mastavra was very developed and rich,” Akurnaz concludes.
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