The Amphitheater of Durrës

On the coast of the Adriatic Sea is the Albanian city of Durrës. The city boasts a magnificent coastal view as well as an incredible importance in the history of Albania. Romans, on their way to the Middle East and beyond to the Silk Road would travel directly through this city making it a hub for economic development. Thus it is no surprise that in the 20th Century an archeological discovery was unearthed just to the side of where the original road for the Romans was used. This discovery was a large amphitheater.

It is estimated that in the 2nd Century the amphitheater was built and was home to many gladiator fights, beast battles, and theatrical performances. The amphitheater seats between 15,000-18,000 people making it the largest amphitheater in Southeastern Europe. It remained a place of performances and fights until the rise of the Byzantines in Albania in the 5th Century. At this time, the theater was transformed into a Christian church. Inside the church mosaics were formed depicting religious images some of which are still on display.

As previously stated, the excavation of the amphitheater began in the 20th Century with most developments occurring in the 1960s. Though not completely unearthed, it will likely never become fully excavated due to the housing and urban developments that have been built up on all sides of the amphitheater. The grassy stage area, the stone steps, the mosaics, the tunnels and walkways are beginning to decay but the history remains as rich as ever.