The amphitheatre was probably first built between about AD 50 and 70 at the eastern edge of the town. The arena now has an elliptical plan with two opposing entrances on the longer, north-south axis and two small rooms recessed into the seating bank on the east-west axis. It measures about 45 by 39 metres.

[...]

The banks of the seats in the amphitheatre provided space for between 4,500 and 9,000 spectators. No evidence survives of the sort of activities which took place here, but gladiatorial combat and shows using wild beasts were popular, but expensive, forms of entertainment elsewhere in the Roman empire. Blood sports using bulls, dogs and bears are possibilities at Silchester. Public executions also took place in amphitheatres.

These monuments have to be distinguished from theatres, the traditional venue for dramatic entertainment. No theatre has yet been discovered at Calleva.

Cit. reading.ac.uk/silchester/Guide/sil-guide-amphitheatre.aspx

Bleddyn

March 21, 2021

Have only ever looked at the wall as I go past, will stop at some point.

David Green

August 26, 2021

The roads surrounding the old Roman city of Calleva Atrebatum are all pleasant to ride. Some narrow and a little 'messy' but all passable on a road bike. Very little traffic, but be aware of cars on Church Lane - the road is wide enough for one car but not much more!

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 15 November

14°C

10°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 0.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Mortimer West End, Basingstoke And Deane, Hampshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St Mary the Virgin Church, Silchester

Little London Climb

Kiln Pond and Beaver Sculpture

The Calleva Arms

Calleva Atrebatum Roman Town and City Walls

Bramley Village Bakery

Sherfield-on-Loddon Duck Pond and Wooden Animal Sculptures

M4 Pedestrian and Cycle Overpass near Theale

River Kennet Towpath: Burghfield to Reading

The Vyne Summerhouse

Mapledurham Estate Bridleway

View of Rapeseed Fields

Silchester Roman Amphitheatre

1. The Vyne – The Calleva Arms loop from Heath End

2. Climb to Farley Hill – View of Rapeseed Fields loop from Wokingham

3. St James' Church, Bramley – The Calleva Arms loop from Sherfield Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️