The Flavian Amphitheater

The Flavian Amphitheater of Pozzuoli

Majestic and fascinating, the Flavian Amphitheater is the third largest arena in Italy after the Colosseum and Capua.
Inaugurated during the Flavian period (1st century AD), it could host up to 40,000 spectators, confirming the importance of Puteoli as the main commercial port of the Roman Mediterranean.

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Historical Background and Construction

Construction dates back to between the end of Nero’s reign and the beginning of the 1st century AD, financed by the Flavian colony “with its own resources” (pecunia sua).
The outer facade consisted of two tiers of superimposed arcades in volcanic stone and brick, with an attic decorated with marble and statues, now largely lost.

Social Hierarchies and Interior Architecture

The elliptical plan (149 x 116 m) featured 16 entrances leading to the cavea.
The seating arrangement followed the strict Roman social division:

• Ima cavea: city elite and influential families.
• Media and summa cavea: rest of the population.
• Scholae: headquarters of professional associations (e.g., navicolarii, scabillarii).

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The Hidden Heart: The Underground

The Flavian Amphitheater houses the best-preserved Roman underground chambers in the world, a true gem of ancient engineering:

• Logistics: galleries, cells, and tunnels for wild beasts and scenery.
• Innovation: trapdoors and pulleys to lift cages and machinery into the arena.
• Water management: drainage system connected to the Serino Aqueduct.

History and Faith

Tradition links the Amphitheater to the martyrdom of Saint Januarius and his companions, making this place also a spiritual symbol for Neapolitans.