Where the Circus Maximus used to be the main site for chariot races, and the Colosseum for gladiator fights in ancient Rome, the Stadium of Domitian was the venue for athletics (and poetry) competitions. What is left of the stadium, which was in use from the 1st till the beginning of the 5th century, is mostly hidden below what is now Piazza Navona.
A brief history of the Stadium of Domitian
The Stadium of Domitian was constructed between 85 and 86 AD by Emperor Domitian. The emperor wanted a stadium similar to the Greek ones of Olympia and Athens.
Although the stadium itself is located almost five meters below ground, the shape of Piazza Navona gives an indication of what its size used to be. 275 meters long, and 106 wide, it was semicircular on the north side. Unlike at the Circus Maximus, which had a similar shape, there was no central “spine”, though.
The main entrances were probably on the short sides. The facade consisted of travertine blocks, while the entrances were supported by marble columns. There were two levels of seating, with space for up to 30,000 spectators. Arcades on the outside serve as shopping space, but were also used by prostitutes.
After 407 AD, the Stadium of Domitian stopped being used for its original purpose. The walls were used to create living environments. The only reminder of its past purpose was its occasional use for bullfights or horse races.
Being slightly lower than its surroundings, the square was sometimes filled with water, to be used for mock sea battles.
In 1936, the houses built against the stadium walls were destroyed. This led to the discovery of the ruins, which were later transformed into a museum.
During this process, the ruins of the stadium were uncovered, and they were made visible to the public as part of a museum. In addition to this museum, remains of the stadium can also be visited under the Church of St. Agnes and under the École Française de Rome.
What to see in the museum of the Stadium of Domitian
The ruins are 4.5 meters below the current street level. The museum itself is rather small, however. The various ancient arches, walls and stairs form the background for video reconstructions and information panels. There are also remains of latrines.
The main building material for the interior of the stadium was brick. These were often marked by the manufacturers.
Since the athletes used to compete in the nude, the surviving statues also depict naked men. There were no female athletes at the time.
Curiosities
The museum is not the only place with ruins of the Stadium of Domitian. Both below the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and below the École française de Rome, there are ancient remains of the monument.