New amphitheatre finds
ROMAN pottery dating from the 2nd century BC and the first century AD has been found during the second stage of excavation works at Cartagena’s Roman amphitheatre.
The pieces were unearthed in the podium area, close to the walls of the abandoned bullring which encircles the Roman structure.
Archaeologists also found a human ossuary dating from the 18th century. The bones are believed to have been taken from the nearby Navy hospital and autopsy hall to the area, where they were buried.
The archaeologists noted that the site was used as a cemetery during the outbreak of bubonic plague which hit Cartagena in the 17th century, as it was in the outskirts of the city centre and near the sea which provided fresh air for the site.
A total of €400,000 has been invested in the second stage of the excavation works which started in December.
Archaeologists have been working on three vaulted rooms, which housed the gladiators before they entered the area. The cells also kept the wild animals which were used in combats. The archaeological and restoration works of the Roman amphitheatre have been divided into four stages which will be carried out over several years.
The amphitheatre was built in 1st century BC from sandstone which came from the nearby quarries at Canteras.
It had seats for more than 10,000 people.
The first stage of the excavation works started in 2018 and the amphitheatre will host guided visits and cultural events.
The project includes demolishing part of the damaged bullring wall and preserving another section.