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Origin and history

The Senlis Arenas, built in the 1st century AD, are a small Gallo-Roman performance building of an ellipsoidal form, semi-crushed in limestone rock. Located outside the old city centre of Senlis (Oise), they were rediscovered in 1865 by Felix Vernois, member of the local archaeological committee. Acquired and cleared by the Senlis History and Archaeology Society, they still belong to this association. Their capacity, estimated at about 10,000 places, made it a major venue for various performances: animal fighting, dancing, or theatre. The northern and southern chapels served as places of worship for Roman and local deities.

The abandonment of the arenas towards the sixth century coincided with the christianization of the region, marked by the figure of Rieul of Senlis, the first bishop died in 260. Forgotten for centuries, they were used as a stone quarry, dump, or even a military platform during the League's wars in 1589. Their rediscovery in 1865 was followed by excavations led by Jules Powery, revealing vestiges such as the South Sacellum and ancient coins. Classified as a historical monument in 1875, they were partially restored, especially between 1978 and 2002.

The arenas, of modest dimensions (axis of 41.5 m and 34.45 m for the central arena), have a typical structure: a podium surrounding the ground, vomitories for public access, and carceres for animals. The northern part, although apparently intact, was heavily restored under the Third Republic. The partially preserved stands suggest a capacity of up to 11,250 spectators, although this figure is disputed. Today, the site is protected and accessible during events like Heritage Days.

The management of the arenas has seen ups and downs. After their acquisition in 1866, the Archaeological Committee, which became the Senlis History and Archaeology Society, maintained it until the 20th century. The First World War and the Great Depression however weakened the association, leading to the transfer of its collections to the city in 1945. In the 1960s, a partial collapse of the South Sacellum led to the cessation of rentals for events. Since then, the arenas have been maintained by the city and the Society, with guided tours organized on the first Sunday of each month.

Archaeological studies, such as that of Jean-Pierre Adam (1973), have provided a better understanding of the history of the monument. The 1977 excavations revealed that some 19th-century restorations had been mistakenly taken for ancient alterations. Today, the arenas remain a rare testimony of Roman urban planning in Gaul, despite the limitations imposed by their state of conservation. Their protection and enhancement continue to be based on community and municipal commitment.

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