Amphitheatre of Mérida

The Amphitheatre of Mérida is a Roman amphitheatre in the Roman colonia of Emerita Augusta –present-day Mérida, Spain–, capital of the Roman province of Lusitania [1]. It was completed in the year 8 BC, and is currently in ruins [1]. It was used for gladiatorial fights and combats between beasts or men and beasts during ancient Rome [1]. The amphitheatre was built as part of an entertainment complex together with the Roman Theatre [1]. The sand-covered arena in the centre had a fossa bestiaria in the center, which was covered with wood and sand [1]. This fossa was used to house animals before they were released into the arena [1]. The stands had a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and had supporting stairs and hallways that connected the different parts internally [1].