See the Aquincum Civil Amphitheatre before you. This arena echoes with the whispers of a bygone era. It stands as a testament to Roman ingenuity and the vibrant life of Aquincum.
Aquincum flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. It served as the civil administration center of the province of Pannonia. You may have seen Roman remnants in Visegrád, Pécs, and Szentendre.
Imagine thousands of spectators filling this space. They gathered for gladiator contests, animal fights, political rallies, and town ceremonies. This amphitheater could hold six to seven thousand people. It was built in the second century during the reign of Antonnius Pius.
The Aquincum Civil Amphitheatre measures 86.5 by 75.5 meters. It is smaller than the military amphitheater also in Óbuda. But it was still a significant structure.
Between 250 AD and 300 AD, this arena was a hub of activity. Gladiators clashed. Wild animals roared. Citizens debated and celebrated. This was the heart of Aquincum’s social life. South of the western gate lies an inscription to the Greek goddess Nemesis. She was also known as Rhamnousia.
Despite a gate with a lock, people often find their way inside. Please be careful if you enter. Broken glass can be scattered about.
Aquincum itself has a rich history. Before the Romans, the Celtic Eravisci people settled here. They called it Ak-ink meaning “Abundant Water”. This was due to the nearby thermal springs.
Emperor Vespasian established a Roman military camp. This attracted civilians and led to the city’s growth. Aquincum benefited from fertile lands and easy river crossings. It was also on a major road along the Danube.
In 106, Emperor Trajan made Aquincum the capital of Lower Pannonia. Hadrian, later emperor, served as a proconsul here. His palace was on Óbuda Island. A Roman legion was stationed here from the early 2nd century.
Hadrian granted Aquincum the status of municipium in 124. Septimus Severus made it a colonia in 194. The city faced challenges during the Marcomannian Wars. However, it recovered and expanded. Public buildings were constructed. An aqueduct brought water from the springs to the military camp.
Emperor Diocletian later made Aquincum the capital of Pannonia Valeria province. As Roman forces withdrew, invaders came. The inhabitants gradually left Aquincum. By the time the Huns arrived in the 5th century, it was deserted.
Systematic excavations began in the late 19th century. Many finds are now in the Aquincum Museum in Budapest. The Aquincum Civil Amphitheatre remains a powerful symbol of Roman life here. It connects us to the past. It allows us to imagine the sights and sounds of ancient Aquincum.