Amphitheatre (London) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roman amphitheatre |
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| Location | City of London, England, United Kingdom |
| Built | AD 70 |
| Governing body | English Heritage |
| Official name: Roman amphitheatre, Guildhall Yard | |
| Designated | 23 July 1990 |
| Reference no. | 1013411 |
The Roman amphitheatre in London is an amazing historical site hidden right under Guildhall Yard in the City of London. You can actually see some of its ancient walls in the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery. This cool discovery was made in 1988, and now it's a protected historical place, known as a scheduled monument.
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Discovering London's Ancient Amphitheatre
The first Roman amphitheatre in London was built way back in AD 70. It was first made from wood. Later, in the early 2nd century, it was updated with strong stone walls and tiled entrances. An amphitheatre is a large, open-air venue used for public events.
What Happened at the Amphitheatre?
This amphitheatre was a busy place for many public events. People would gather to watch exciting gladiator games. Soldiers and the public were entertained by shows involving animal fighting. Sometimes, public punishments for criminals also took place here. It was also used for important religious activities.
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After the Romans Left
The ancient Romans left Britain in the 4th century. After they left, the amphitheatre was no longer used and became a ruin for hundreds of years.
The Amphitheatre's Later History
Around the 11th century, people started to build in this area again. By the 12th century, the first London Guildhall was built right next to the old amphitheatre. The Guildhall is still standing today, even after big events like the Great Fire of London and The Blitz during World War II.
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How the Amphitheatre Shaped the City
Many other buildings were constructed around the amphitheatre site. Eventually, this area became the public space known as Guildhall Yard. In the 13th century, a gatehouse was built as the main entrance to Guildhall Yard. This gatehouse was placed directly over the southern entrance of the Roman amphitheatre. Even the church of St Lawrence Jewry, which is on the south side of Guildhall Yard, is built in a slightly unusual way. This might have been done to follow the oval shape of the old amphitheatre.
Visiting the Remains Today
The Guildhall Art Gallery was finished in 1999. It stands on the northern side of Guildhall Yard. If you visit the gallery, you can go down to the basement. There, you'll find an excavated part of the Roman amphitheatre's remains. On the ground level of Guildhall Yard, a band of dark stone marks out the exact oval shape of the amphitheatre below. It helps you imagine how big it once was!
See also
In Spanish: Anfiteatro romano de Londres para niños
- List of Roman amphitheatres
