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Origin and history

The Poitiers Amphitheatre, also known as the Poitiers Arenas or Gallian Palace, was built in the 2nd century (or potentially from the 1st century according to some studies) in the ancient city of Limonum Pictonum, today Poitiers. With 155.80 m long and 130.50 m wide, it is one of the largest amphitheatres of Gaul, comparable to those of Tours or Autun. Its main axis, oriented north-north-east, followed the route of the Roman cardinals. Disused after antiquity, it was gradually dismantled or integrated into houses.

During antiquity, the building was used for public performances and could have welcomed 22,000 to 30,000 spectators. The Wisigoths would have turned into a citadel in the fifth century, before its gradual ruin. In the Middle Ages, the site, called Gallian Palace, already housed gardens and houses. In 1840, his remains were classified as Historic Monuments, with complementary protections in 1935 and 1962. Today, only vaulted elements (rue Bourcani) and walls integrated into the houses remain.

Recent excavations and studies (notably by Jean Hiérnard and Jean-Claude Golvin) reviewed his dating in the first half of the first century, during the Julio-Claudian era, comparing his architecture with other amphitheatres such as that of Saintes. Built in small pieces of rubble, its radiant and annular walls reveal various techniques, suggesting the intervention of several teams. The arched vomitories at the north and south ends provided quick access to the arena, framed by superimposed galleries.

In the 19th century, only one arcade was still visible before the construction of buildings on the site. The hospices of Poitiers, owners since 1757, yielded the land in 1857, accelerating the disappearance of the remains. An exhibition in 2021-2022 (INRAP) highlighted its history, while the cellars of Magenta and Roman Arenas still retain fragments of Gallo-Roman walls and vaults.

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