Frusinum amphitheatre

The Frusinum amphitheatre, known locally as the Anfiteatro romano di Frosinone, is a hidden gem of ancient Roman architecture nestled in the modern city of Frosinone, Italy. This ancient structure, built between the late 1st century and early 2nd century AD, lies at the foot of the hill where the historic center of Frosinone now stands, near the Cosa River. This amphitheatre was a place of entertainment and social gathering in ancient times, where gladiatorial combats and wild beast hunts were held to amuse the citizens of the Roman town of Frusino.

The Discovery of the Frusinum Amphitheatre

Remarkably, the Frusinum amphitheatre remained hidden for centuries, its existence unknown to the modern world until a serendipitous discovery in February 1965. During construction work for residential buildings, the ancient walls of the amphitheatre emerged from the ground, revealing a piece of history long buried beneath the soil. Unfortunately, the construction work caused significant damage to the ruins, with bulldozers demolishing parts of the ancient structure. Today, the remains of the amphitheatre are partially covered by the modern buildings erected in the 1960s, while other sections lie beneath Viale Roma.

A Glimpse into the Past

The Frusinum amphitheatre's history is shrouded in mystery, with no ancient sources mentioning its existence. However, medieval documents provide clues about its presence. In the 11th century, it was known as Appretiatum, and its proximity to the now-vanished churches of San Giovanni and San Silvestro is documented. These churches were likely built near the amphitheatre, indicating its significance in the area.

One of the earliest mentions of the amphitheatre comes from a donation act dated May 10, 1060, where property near the Cosa River, including the amphitheatre, was given to Abbot Giovanni of Casamari. This document refers to the amphitheatre as Appretiato, highlighting its ancient and medieval importance.

Exploring the Ruins

Despite the damage and partial burial, the visible remains of the Frusinum amphitheatre offer a fascinating glimpse into its structure. The visible parts consist of foundation structures that supported the cavea, the seating area where spectators watched the gladiatorial games. The cavea likely had a single tier of seats, although this is still a subject of debate among historians.

The entrances to the arena, approximately 8 meters wide, were located at the ends of the amphitheatre's major axis. The structure's elliptical or polycentric shape is typical of Roman amphitheatres, designed to provide optimal viewing angles for the audience. The amphitheatre's modest size suggests it was well-suited to the needs of the small Roman town of Frusino.

The Modern Struggles

The Frusinum amphitheatre's discovery and subsequent partial destruction in the 1960s sparked a public outcry and a lengthy battle for its preservation. The Tagliaferri Immobiliare company, responsible for the construction work, was accused of destroying parts of the ancient ruins. The Italian Superintendence of Antiquities intervened, halting the construction temporarily. However, despite public support for preserving the amphitheatre, the authorities eventually granted permission to continue building, and in July 1968, the construction of the residential buildings was completed.

In the decades that followed, the amphitheatre's condition deteriorated further due to neglect and exposure to the elements. It wasn't until 1996 that efforts to recover and preserve the site began. Although these efforts have been limited, they have helped to restore some dignity to this ancient monument.

The Cultural Significance

The Frusinum amphitheatre serves as a tangible reminder of Frosinone's rich history and the enduring legacy of Roman civilization. The ruins reveal the deep-rooted passion of the ancient inhabitants for gladiatorial games and other public spectacles. The amphitheatre's presence underscores the importance of entertainment and social gatherings in Roman society.

Today, the Frusinum amphitheatre is officially state property, although it stands on privately owned land. This unique situation has complicated preservation efforts, but the amphitheatre remains a symbol of Frosinone's historical heritage. Visitors to the site can explore the visible remains and imagine the vibrant scenes that once unfolded within its walls.

Conclusion

While the Frusinum amphitheatre may not boast the grandeur of larger Roman amphitheatres, its historical significance and the story of its discovery and preservation make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers. As you wander through the ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the cheers of the crowd, and the clash of gladiators' swords. The Frusinum amphitheatre is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Rome and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.