Roman amphitheater in Salona

The amphitheater in ancient Salona, ​​the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, was built in the second half of the 2nd century CE. It was one of the most important public buildings in the city, intended for hosting gladiatorial fights, wild animal hunts, and other public spectacles.

The building had an elliptical plan, measuring approximately 125 x 100 meters, while the arena itself measured approximately 65 x 40 meters. The auditorium could accommodate up to 17,000 spectators. Initially, the amphitheater was located outside the city walls, but after the fortifications were expanded, it was incorporated into Salona’s defense system.

The southern part of the structure housed a box of honor for the governor of the Dalmatian province and seats for the most important city officials. In the center of the arena was an opening leading to an underground passage, known as the porta Libitinaria, through which the bodies of fallen gladiators were carried out.

Two vaulted chambers dedicated to the goddess Nemesis, patron saint of gladiators, were also discovered beneath the amphitheater. It was in the Salona amphitheater in 304 CE, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, that Bishop Domnius, later the patron saint of Split, and his companions were executed.

At the beginning of the 5th century, gladiatorial combat was banned, although animal hunting continued for some time. In the 17th century, the amphitheater was severely damaged during battles with the Turks, and the Venetians ordered its partial demolition to prevent the ruins from being used for military purposes.

Fragments of underground passages, walls, and architectural decorations have survived to this day. Today, the ruins of the Salona amphitheater are among the most important Roman monuments in Croatia and serve as a reminder of the importance of the city, which for centuries served as the capital of Roman Dalmatia.