Amphitheater was discovered on site of Roman fort in Israel

Traces of an amphitheater were found on the site of a former Roman legionary fort in Galilee (Israel). Interestingly, fragments of the walls have survived and are still painted red.

According to researchers, the arena could have been used for training soldiers rather than gladiator fights. The arena and amphitheater, oval in shape, were located outside the fort walls, next to the cemetery and religious buildings.

The fort, called Legio, measured 500 by 400 meters and could accommodate up to 5,600 soldiers. The legio II Traiana Fortis was stationed in the camp, which after 120 CE was replaced by the legio VI Ferrata.

Further excavations are still ongoing at the camp, discovered between 1998 and 2000. So far, the command headquarters (principia) have also been located.