Upping the amphi
Completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, this three-tiered stadium had 80 entrances and held 50,000 spectators.
During 500 years as an active venue, crowds gathered to see exhibitions of exotic animals, executions of prisoners, battle recreations and gladiator fights.
Since the 6th Century it has suffered lootings, earthquakes and even World War Two bombings. It has also been a storehouse, church and cemetery.
Six million people visit every year. See parcocolosseo.it to find out more.
The Mayans were master sportsmen and built huge ball courts to play in.
The rules of the games played here are unclear, but the carved panels found on site indicate athletes wore protective padding and were divided into two teams of 11 or 12.
However, it is believed the winning captain would present his own head to the losing captain at the end of a game… and his rival would then decapitate him.
This offered the victor a ticket to heaven, bypassing the 13 high steps the Mayans believed they had to ascend in order to reach paradise.
It was thought to be the ultimate honour. Learn more at chichenitza.com.
Constructed in Athens in the 4th Century BC with a 50,000 capacity, it is the world’s only marble stadium.
Standing on the same site where nude male athletes competed in events during Panathenaia celebrations, it is now a multi-purpose venue which was used in the 2004 Olympic Games and is the location for the handover ceremony of the Olympic flame every four years.
See panathenaicstadium.gr.
The earliest Roman amphitheatre, this elliptical stone structure was built before the Colosseum around 70 BC.
A venue for gladiatorial contests, in 59 AD a deadly fight occurred between
Pompeiians and the residents of Nuceria during the games in this amphitheatre.
It resulted in Emperor Nero banning such events for 10 years. It now hosts concerts. See pompeiisites.org.
Built in the 4th Century BC on the highest spot of the archaeological site of Delphi, it is one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind.
Stretching 584ft and with a capacity of 6,500, it held sporting competitions such as track and field, plus music events. Learn more at visitgreece.gr.