The Stadium Plovdiv Roman Stadium

map of discovered part of stadium



model of full size of stadium

the stadium of trimontium built in beginning of 2nd century ad during reign emperor hadrian (117-138). facility, approximately 240 m (790 ft) m long , 50 m wide, seat 30 000 spectators. length of track 1 stadion - 625 roman steps or 600 greek steps, or approx 180 m (590 ft).

the spectators seats tiered in 14 rows, crossed stepped aisles down track. seats made of solid marble blocks (40 cm high , 75 cm wide) , front parts decorated stylized lion paws. front part of lowest row revetted massive marble 1.80 meters plates (orthostats), stepping on solid marble blocks. seats highest row had backrests.

at dzhumaya square in plovdiv exhibited in situ northern curved part of stadium (sfendona). under tiered rows of seats (cavea), covered vaulted passage found. connected track corridor dug in terrain. vault supported royal seats above it. north of corridor section of fortress wall built in 90s of 1st century ad found. had undergone readjustments in 3rd , 4th century ad. in 4th century ad area crossed ancient aqueduct.

like other imperial buildings spectacular events, ancient stadium of trimontium had seats of honour preserved inscriptions in marble blocks. seats greek inscriptions found, proving existence of special seats members of higher public position.

the main entrance stadium formed masonry pillars decorated marble pilasters , reliefs. on pilasters there busts of hermes (hermai) placed above them prize vases palm sprays, accompanied hercules’ attributes – lion skin, mace , quiver.

the limiting walls of cavea built cut granite stones, labelled letters @ places. architectural marble elements of entrance , orthostats on front row tied each other lead-soldered iron cramps. in front of entrance granite pavement uncovered, consisting of hexagonal blocks – 0.70 0.70 m diagonally.