Legio VII Claudia and the amphitheatre of Viminacium

Abstract

This paper deals with the legio VII Claudia and its presence in Viminacium. It is also devoted to the architectural elements and building process of the Viminacium amphitheatre, that direct attention to army construction activities and its military use. The Viminacium amphitheatre is located 60 m away from the legionary fortress. Its primary wooden structure that was built next to the fortress in the first quarter of the 2nd century is distinguishable from the stone-wooden amphitheatre which replaced it in the course of the 2nd century. The construction of city ramparts in the late 2nd century led to the integration of the amphitheatre into the area defended by the walls, and the building was used until the first half of the 4th century. Previous investigations on Roman sites within provinces confirmed that amphitheatres were built next to military bases, especially by legionary fortresses. Along the River Danube a few amphitheatres are known, while others are assumed on the basis of remote sensing, geophysical surveys, particular finds and inscriptions, so the example of Viminacium is an important contribution to the study of entertainment buildings and gladiatorial games at the frontiers and their relation to the Roman army.