The North African amphitheatres

North African amphitheatres, including the Amphitheatre of El Jem, exhibit a significant preponderance of evidence for beast hunts (venationes) over gladiatorial combats (munera gladiatorum). This chapter presents updated and expanded data from recent surveys, offering a detailed examination of key amphitheatres such as those in Carthage, Thysdrus (El Jem), and Iol Caesarea (Cherchel). It also includes a comprehensive catalogue of North African amphitheatres, analyzing chronology, architectural typologies, distribution patterns, regional trends, cultural influences, and the potential for human sacrifices. The research synthesizes historical context from the Punic Wars to the Arab invasions, providing insights into the architectural expertise and cultural practices of these ancient structures.

Bomgardner, D. (2021). The North African amphitheatres. The Story of the Roman Amphitheatre, 209–344. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315724577-4