Amphitheatre Bad
Deutsch-Altenburg
Watercolour sketch
©2014 Charlene Brown
There are two sizable
amphitheatres, about 5 km apart, at Carnuntum.
Part of the seating area of the one at Bad Deutsch-Altenburg is
currently being restored, and the translucent protective covering has an image
of the expected result, including a couple of rows of people in the ‘standing
room only’ section (included in the sketch) above the rows of seats.
There was a very
significant find in September 2011 adjacent to the other Carnuntum amphitheatre,
Petronell, near the Heidentor. Aerial photography followed by hi-res,
non-invasive ground-penetrating radar led to the discovery of the totally
buried contours of an ancient Roman Ludus (gladiator school) almost 3000 m2
in area. Details of this exceptional complex, including accommodation for
80 gladiators, reveal that it is unique in the Roman Empire
for its size and completeness. Excavation is expected to begin this year.
