Posted on 12/18/2018 9:46:09 AM PST by SunkenCiv
The dig is taking place underneath one of the walls of the disused bull ring, a wall which has been reinforced specifically so that the archaeologists could begin their work beneath it, and the opinion of the experts is that these rooms were used to hold gladiators and animals captive before they were released to do battle in the arena itself. Their existence was documented in the 18th century, well before the construction of the bull ring, and the roofs were re-discovered in 1999, but until now no-one was aware of how well they have survived the passing of two millennia!
In fact, the general consensus is that the only comparably well preserved remains of such structures in Spain are at the amphitheatre of Itálica in the province of Sevilla, which was one of the largest in the whole of the Roman Empire.
The middle of the three rooms uncovered is 3 metres wide, and doorways measuring 1.80 metres connect it with the other two.
The amphitheatre of Cartagena, which was built in the 1st century BC, is one of only 18 which are known about in the Iberian Peninsula, and only 7 of those have been the subject of in-depth archaeological investigation. 6 of them can be considered monumental remains, and with the latest discovery the one in Cartagena is on its way to becoming one of the most important in Spain, or indeed anywhere outside Italy.
In addition, Cartagena is one of only four cities in Spain to both a theatre and an amphitheatre built by the Romans.
(Excerpt) Read more at murciatoday.com ...
That paints a pretty strong picture. I feel sorry for both animals and gladiators.
A cruel sport for sure.
Interesting thought.
Caligula employed bull fighting didn’t he?
I’m wondering if there was any association with the whole thing and the Minoans.
The bull-leaping of the Knossos frescoes fairly screams tthat, doesn’t it? :^)
OTOH, it could very well be rooted much deeper and closer than ancient Persia.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3713669/posts?page=14#14
Whoa! That’s hard to believe. But there’s movies I’ve never seen myself that people quote all the time.
My brother and I exchange quotes from that movie every now and then.
Check it out sometime. It’s a hoot.
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