Arènes de Lutèce

The Arènes de Lutèce are among the most important ancient Roman remains in Paris (known in antiquity as Lutetia) [1]. Constructed in the 1st century AD, this theatre could once seat 15,000 people and was used also as an amphitheatre to show gladiatorial combats [1]. Five small rooms were situated beneath the lower terraces, some of which appear to have been animal cages that opened directly into the arena [1]. When Lutetia was sacked during the barbarian raids of 275, some of the structure's stone work was used to reinforce the city's defences around the Île de la Cité [1]. Subsequently, the theatre became a cemetery, and was filled in completely following the construction of wall of Philippe Auguste (ca. 1210) [1]. Centuries later, even though the surrounding neighbourhood had retained the name les Arènes, the exact location was lost [1]. It was discovered by Théodore Vaquer during the building of the Rue Monge between 1860 and 1869 [1].