Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the first excavation at Venosa’s Roman Amphitheater was commissioned by the Bourbons in the 19th century. A number of bronzes, coins, and terracottas were found but, due to neglect, the ruins were reburied. Only in 1935 was it entirely brought back to light.
The Roman Amphitheater has an elliptical shape, on three floors, partly built above ground and partly made by terracing the ground on which it stands. The major axis measures 70 m while the minor axis 40 m. It is believed that this structure accommodated about ten thousand spectators. The lowest level is that of the arena, where the “podium” terrace for important people is located. There are two other levels, supported by three concentric ambulatories: the first level called “ima cavea,” the second “media cavea,” and the third “summa cavea.”