Amphitheatres In Scotland
There is one confirmed amphitheatre in Scotland, and two are possible. Many Roman forts had an oval enclosed area for entertainment, exercising horses and combat. These were normally built of wood so not many can be found today. An amphitheatre was usually a short distance away from a fort and would use the contours of the land to create a seated terraced effect.
Melrose/Newstead (Trimontium Amphitheatre)
Source: Trimontium Amphitheatre, Newstead, Scottish Borders. – Trimontium Museum
Musselburgh Amphitheatre
In 1995 a circular structure was found next to Lewisvale public park and academics think it may be the post holes for a wooden amphitheatre. The Roman fort in Musselburgh is nearby.
Source: A Semi-Elliptical, Timber-Framed Structure at Inveresk (The Most Northerly Amphitheatre in the Empire?) on JSTOR (login required)
Falkirk Amphitheatre
The Falkirk History Society has been looking for the location of the amphitheatre near Camelon Fort and they think they have found it near Camelon railway station.
Source: An Amphitheatre in Camelon?
Further Information
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Amphitheatres In Scotland
There is one confirmed amphitheatre in Scotland, and two are possible. Many Roman forts had an oval enclosed area for entertainment, exercising horses and combat. These were normally built of wood so not many can be found today. An amphitheatre was usually a short distance away from a fort and would use the contours of…
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An Amphitheatre in Camelon?
The existence of amphitheatres outside the legionary fortresses and many of the Roman civitas (tribal) capitals in Britain is well known but it is only in recent decades that it has been suggested … Source: An Amphitheatre in Camelon?
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Musselburgh Amphitheatre
An investigation into a structure elliptical in shape and with posts showing some kind of structure has been interpreted as a possible amphitheatre in Musselburgh. The area of the structure is about 30m in diameter and would allow around 1000 people to spectate standing on raised earth ramparts or sitting in a seated structure. The…
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Pitlochry Amphitheatre
Pitlochry has built Scotland’s newest amphitheatre. Tenuous Roman link but there it is. Have a look at what’s on at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in our 2022 programme. Book tickets, check prices and get ready to enjoy some wonderful events. Source: What’s On | Pitlochry Festival Theatre
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Trimontium Amphitheatre, Newstead
The hollow in this field at Trimontium was the site of the most northerly amphitheatre discovered in the Roman Empire. It was attached to the Roman fort and camp complex at the site. An amateur archaeologist and Trimontium Trustee, Dr Bill Lonie, suggested its use and it was surveyed in 1993 and excavated and confirmed…
