Domitian’s Stadium Tour – Underground Rome Tour

Domitian’s Stadium underground Rome tour will allow you to visit one of the most beautiful and interesting underground archaeological sites in Rome: “Domitian’s Stadium”. It was one of the most famous ancient stadiums in Ancient Rome. Built by “Emperor Domitian” in 85 A.D., this stadium was used for “gymnastic competitions” even in the first half of the fourth century, long after the violent games of the “Colosseum” had been abolished. The stadium has an oval shaped track where professional athletes from the known world, especially from Greece, came to compete in different disciplines. The Roman Emperors would host games to gain the love of their people, and the winners were held in great honor throughout their life and even after.

The Ancient Romans were very often inspired by Greek traditions. In fact, the “Certamen Capitolino Iovi”, a game held in this stadium, was directly inspired by the Olympic Games, and it was held every four years. The “Certamen Capitolino Iovi” included equestrian, gymnastic, and even musical competitions, and it was introduced by “Emperor Domitian” himself. Part of this game was a running competition that young women would take part in, which was inspired by a game traditionally held in the Greek city of “Sparta”. The winners were crowned with oak and olive wreaths, the two trees sacred to the gods “Jupiter”, king of the gods, and “Minerva”, goddess of wisdom and military strategy. Winning the “Certamen Capitolino Iovi” was so prestigious, that on some ancient roman tombs there are inscriptions saying that the person buried there had won the game once. The “Domitian’s Stadium” even appeared on coins! With romeanditaly group’s Domitian’s Stadium underground Rome tour you will be able to visit this extraordinary example of Ancient Roman culture and learn all about it.

“Domitian’s Stadium” was surrounded by a double colonnade through which opened the two main entrances. Many different materials were used to make the stadium. The balcony in the half-way point of the east side was made of “travertine”, a type of marble that was used for many prestigious buildings in Ancient Rome. Here is where the emperor and other important people would have sat. Other parts were made of stucco, a material made by mixing lime and powdered marble. Finally, the racing track was a simple clay court, like the ones found in the running tracks of Greece and modern tennis courts.

The stadium was also full of many beautiful statues that were placed under arches or on the walls. Many of them have been found in the area around the stadium and recovered by modern archaeologists.

Domitian’s Stadium underground Rome tour is ideal for people who want to learn more about ancient roman culture regarding sport. Walking around this underground archaeological site will make you feel like you are traveling back to the time of the Roman Emperors, an experience you will remember forever!