Roman stadium in Patras/Achaia, EN

1. ROMAN STADIUM
What is left from it today is expanded from Pantanassis str to
Gerokostopoulou str and between 25th March str. (Agiou Georgiou)
and Hephaistou str.. However archaeologists believe that it was
expanding to Alex. Ypsilandou str., where was the arena.

2. Historical Facts
Constructed between 80 -90 A.D., the Stadium was considered a gift to the city of
Patras by the emperor Domitian, in celebration of the 100 years since the
foundation of the city in 14 B.C. It’s a long shaped construction (200x90 meters)
with its short sides curved.

3. The east long side was built on the cliff of the nearby hill, the rest stood on a
strong line of walls.

4. There were several hallways
between the seats as also
dazzling vaulted entrances.

5. There was a number of underground
hallways (cryptoportici) in service of the
athletes and events.

6. Wall construction was ruined by natural causes

7. There are no remains of the Stadium on ground level

12. Another part of the Stadium has been excavated in a nearby block (corner Karaiskaki
and Patreos str.)

13. The excavated area
Marble decorations - detail

14. This two zone mosaic was found in a roman villa nearby (Psilalonia). It is dated at
2nd-3rd c. A.D. and its upper zone shows musical and dramatic events while its lower
shows athletes and athletic games. Information concerning the combination of artistic
and athletic events is also found in the journals of the famous traveler Pausanias.
Archeologists believe that gladiator battles might also have taken place in the Stadium.

15. TODAY…
View to the sea from the ancient Stadium