A remarkable discovery has emerged from the ancient city of Mastaura in western Turkey: the remains of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman gladiator arena. This impressive structure, once capable of seating up to 20,000 spectators, was likely the scene of fierce gladiatorial combat and brutal animal fights. Researchers believe that thousands gathered in this arena to cheer, jeer, and place bets on the violent spectacles.
Nestled within the rolling hills of Aydın Province, the arena was largely hidden beneath earth and overgrown vegetation until its discovery in 2020. Although much of the structure remains underground, the visible portions—arches, seating rows, and the gladiators' battleground—still evoke the grandeur of its bloody past.
Lead archaeologist Sedat Akkurnaz and his team from Adnan Menderes University, working alongside provincial director Mehmet Umut Tuncer, describe the find as "magnificent." Despite centuries of neglect, the arena’s underground foundations remain exceptionally well-preserved, with Akkurnaz remarking that they appear "as solid as if they were just built."
Dating back to the 2nd century AD during the Severan dynasty, the arena was part of Mastaura’s flourishing period. With a capacity smaller than Rome's famous Colosseum, this Anatolian arena nonetheless held thousands and boasted a range of facilities, including gladiator preparation rooms and private entertainment areas. Spectators from neighboring cities like Aphrodisias and Ephesus likely flocked to the venue, eager to witness the "bloody shows" that were central to Roman entertainment.
The team is now focused on preserving and studying the structure further, using laser scans and geophysical surveys to map out the entire arena, including its hidden underground sections. With continued efforts, the site will soon offer an even greater glimpse into its history, giving a clearer picture of how Romans in Asia Minor gathered to witness—and revel in—spectacles of death and survival.
