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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Narbonne amphitheatre, built in the second century in the ancient city of Narbo Martius (now Narbonne, Aude), is a major example of Roman architecture in Gaul. Built in the eastern part of the city, it was 121.60 × 93.20 m for cellara and 75 × 46.40 m for arena. Its 72 arcades and four doors of access to the arena reflect a typical design of imperial amphitheatres, although there is no trace remaining in elevation today.

Early studies in the 19th century, such as those of Arcisse de Caumont or Alexandre Du Mège, suggested a construction under Vespasian, but later research leans towards a more recent building, perhaps dating from Domitian. The monument has undergone at least one or two modifications, although its date of abandonment remains unknown. The remains, buried under the modern city, were located thanks to surveys in 1838 in an area then unurbanized.

Ranked a historic monument in 1943 and 1953, the amphitheatre is now located below the north corner of Kennedy and Paul-Tournal Avenues. Its structure was based on radiant vaults and ring walls, designed to stabilize the building on a flat ground, without a natural slope. Special cellars, mentioned by Caumont, could indicate specific arrangements, but their exact use remains unknown.

The site, integrated with the current urban fabric, illustrates the challenge of preserving Gallo-Roman remains in modern cities. Although not visible, its route is still visible via the curve of the rue Jean-Deschamps, highlighting the lasting imprint of ancient Rome on Narbonne. The excavations and studies, although limited, confirm its central role in public life and the performances of Narbo Martius, capital of Narbonnaise.

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