---
title: Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain)
author: Carole Raddato
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13887/roman-amphitheatre-of-augusta-emerita-merida-spain/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain)

_Authored by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/)_

## Image File

[![Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/13887.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/13887.jpg)

## Image Caption

The [amphitheatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/amphitheatre/) of Augusta Emerita (modern-day Mérida, Spain) was construced in 8 BCE for use in gladiatorial contests and staged beast-hunts. It had a capacity of up to 15,000 people. The elliptical building was of considerable dimentions and measured 126 by 103 metres (413 by 337 feet). The sand-covered arena contained a *cruciform fossa bestiaria* where animals were kept before entering the arena.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/FollowingHadrian)
- [X/Twitter Profile](https://twitter.com/carolemadge)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Raddato, C. (2021, April 24). Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain). *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13887/roman-amphitheatre-of-augusta-emerita-merida-spain/>
### Chicago
Raddato, Carole. "Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain)." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 24, 2021. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13887/roman-amphitheatre-of-augusta-emerita-merida-spain/>.
### MLA
Raddato, Carole. "Roman Amphitheatre of Augusta Emerita (Mérida, Spain)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 Apr 2021, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/13887/roman-amphitheatre-of-augusta-emerita-merida-spain/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato"), published on 24 April 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.