The Amphitheatre of Lucera, dating to the first century C.E. and one of the oldest in Southern Italy, was probably the first built in honour of the Emperor Augustus and was rediscovered with archaeological excavations conducted between 1932 and 1945. The amphitheatre was a place of leisure and the setting for gladiator fights, executions, nautical battles and athletic exhibitions until the advent of Christianity. It was devastated by the army of Constans II in 663 C.E. and its ruins used by Emperor Frederick II in his construction of the Imperial Palace. The elliptical amphitheatre is particularly significant due to its massive size which evokes the importance of the city, the wealthy capital of the Daunian territory and a military stronghold. The arena was 9 metres below ground level, surrounded by a channel with a system of caves used for exhibitions. Near the building are the ruins of the gymnasium, infirmary and other public buildings used to treat wounded fighters and a small cemetery where the fallen gladiators were buried. The two portals rebuilt at the entrance of corridors embellished with flowers and symbols are particularly noteworthy.
Apulia Film Commission
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