Construction of the amphitheatre Ier siècle (≈ 150)
Edited in *Vesontio*, current Besançon.
IVe siècle
Abandoned as a place of entertainment
Abandoned as a place of entertainment IVe siècle (≈ 450)
Replaced by a necropolis and vineyards.
Moyen Âge
Reuse as stone quarry
Reuse as stone quarry Moyen Âge (≈ 1125)
Materials for the Citadelle and other buildings.
1885
First archaeological excavations
First archaeological excavations 1885 (≈ 1885)
Discovery of remains in the Condé barracks.
2 avril 1927
First classification Historic Monument
First classification Historic Monument 2 avril 1927 (≈ 1927)
Protection of remains in the Condé barracks.
1995
Searches by the Inrap
Searches by the Inrap 1995 (≈ 1995)
Reconstitution of the amphitheatre plan.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Remnants of the Roman arenas and of the chapel Saint-Jacques in the barracks Condé, current high school of vocational education Condé: classification by decree of 2 April 1927 - The section between Charles-Siffert Avenue to the north, Marulaz Street to the south, the staircase that joins these two tracks to the east and the square to the west: classification by order of 28 May 1947 - All the remains, including the soils and archaeological remains contained therein (cf. HZ 349-352; AX 149, 159): inscription by decree of 12 February 2002
Key figures
Auguste Castan - Archaeologist
Search and report in 1885.
Origin and history
The Arenes de Besançon, remains of a Roman amphitheater, were built in the first century in the ancient Vesontio, now Besançon (Doubs). Located on the opposite bank of the Doubs compared to the ancient city, this hybrid monument combines characteristics of classical amphitheatres (as in Arles or Nîmes) and "massive" amphitheatres (as in Amiens or Tours). Its dimensions, estimated between 122 and 130 metres long, make it one of the largest performing buildings of the Roman Gaul. It was abandoned in the fourth century and was reused as a necropolis and vineyard, and then served as a stone quarry in the Middle Ages to build buildings such as the Besançon Citadel.
The amphitheatre, searched from the end of the 19th century, reveals an original structure: partially built in flat terrain (southeastern side, near the Lycée Condé) and backed by the hill of Charmont (northwestern side, Rue Marulaz). This architectural duality translates into two levels of archature to the southeast and only one to the northwest. The remains visible today are limited to portions of walls and steps, mainly between Rue Marulaz and Avenue Charles-Siffert. The materials, composed of rubble and large decorative appliances, bear witness to sophisticated Roman construction techniques.
Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1927, the site was subjected to successive protections (1947, 2002) to preserve its archaeological remains. The excavations carried out in 1995 by the Inrap helped to reconstruct its plan and elevation, confirming a capacity of at least 20,000 spectators. Despite its fragmentary state, the amphitheatre remains a major testimony of the romanization in Franche-Comté, which is now part of the urban landscape of the Battant district, where a street still bears its name ("street of Arenas").
The history of the monument also reflects its decline: abandoned as a place of performance, it becomes a source of materials for medieval and modern constructions, including the church of Madeleine and the fortifications of Vauban. The current, though reduced, remains offer an overview of its past importance, while archaeological studies continue to illuminate its role in the ancient Vesontio. His classification and registration underscore his heritage value, despite the persistent gaps in his knowledge.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review