Circus at Leptis Magna (Passageway)

In collections

Details

Object/Title: Circus at Leptis Magna (Passageway)
Type: Architecture
Provenance: Libya
Findspot: Leptis Magna
Abstract: Passageway that connects the circus to the amphitheatre in Leptis Magna.
Physical Location: Leptis Magna
URL
Measurements: L: 450 m
Description: The circus was first built in 56 CE and restored in the 2nd century CE (Humphrey, 1986: p.27). The barrier in the middle, called a spina, is one of the most complete originals that survived antiquity; the wall was 1.6 meters tall and includes two turning posts (metae) at 231 m tall, decorations, and water features (Humphrey 1986: p.38). Also to survive were a number of herm bases and shafts in situ, as well as altars and statue groups (Humphrey 1986: p.47). It was linked to the amphitheatre by a gallery (Dunbabin, 2016: p.92).
Bibliography: Dunbabin, Katherine M. D. Theater and Spectacle in the Art of the Roman Empire. New York: Cornell University, 2016. Humphrey, John H. Roman Circuses: Arenas for Chariot Racing. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1986.
Access Condition: Attributed to Sebastià Giralt under the license CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0
Creative Commons: CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0
Name
Role
Name: Sebastià Giralt
Role: Photographer
Related Search Terms: Roman
Imperial
Circus
Date: 1st c. CE