Cirencester's Colossal Roman Amphitheatre: From Spectacle to Fortress

In 2025, the earthwork remains of a gigantic Roman amphitheatre lie nestled next to the town of Cirencester in the Cotswolds. Constructed in the early 2nd century AD, this amphitheatre was one of the largest in Britain, capable of hosting up to 8,000 spectators.

Cirencester, known as the Roman city of Corinium at the time, was the second-largest town in Britain after London. The amphitheatre began as a simple quarry, with much of the stone used to build the town believed to have come from it. By the time the town was largely constructed, its layout already resembled an amphitheatre, complete with tiered seating.

However, after the Roman army departed Britain in AD 408, life in Cirencester quickly declined without their pay, which had been a key support for the local economy. With no central authority to maintain order, the town's leaders transformed the renowned amphitheatre into a fortress in a brave bid to keep their community alive. Archaeologists have since uncovered remnants of timber buildings from the 5th century at the once-celebrated site.