A team of British archaeologists working in ancient Rome's seaport has unearthed the remains of a "mini-Colosseum" _ a smaller version of the monumental arena built in the center of the imperial capital.
The foundations of the tiny amphitheater, dated to the early third century, were discovered outside Ostia, a once bustling port town about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of Rome through which much of the riches and goods destined for the city flowed.
The find underscores how ancient arenas came in different sizes and were used for a variety of purposes, not just the public gladiatorial bouts and gory animal shows for which the Colosseum is famous, lead archaeologist Simon Keay said Thursday.
"There are a lot of amphitheaters in the Roman world and people assume they were all used for animal and gladiatorial combat," Keay said. "But they could be used for other things," such as a private theater or for administrative purposes.
The discovery was particularly surprising because this was the only amphitheater in Ostia and it was rare to find one so close to a harbor.
The "mini-Colosseum" was located inside a palace built 100 years earlier by the Emperor Trajan. The administrative complex housed the "procurator," the official in charge of the harbor, but may have also hosted emperors as they left or returned from sea voyages, Keay said.
Experts are still puzzling over the purpose of the amphitheater, said Keay, a professor of archaeology at the University of Southampton and at the British School at Rome, which worked jointly on the dig.
"It's a very enigmatic building, it's not meant to be seen from miles around, it's very discreet," he said in a telephone interview. "We are not entirely sure of what went on in the amphitheater."
Unlike the Colosseum, which was used for public spectacles, the Ostia venue likely had a private use.
The procurator may have used it for shows to entertain his guests or as a place to address his staff, Keay said. It may have also served as a training ground for the local "vigiles" _ ancient Rome's firefighters, he said.
The arena, measuring 138 feet by 125 feet (42 meters by 38 meters), was uncovered in August at the end of a three-year digging campaign in the area of the "portus," the sea harbor built in imperial times near Ostia's older fluvial port on the Tiber.
Further study is needed to determine the arena's height and capacity, but Keay speculated the structure could hold up to 2,000 people. By comparison, the Colosseum, built in the first century, could seat about 50,000 spectators.
Aside from the foundations, not much is left of Ostia's amphitheater because it was demolished during the Byzantine period to build fortifications.
Experts have determined the structure was made of bricks, mortar and wood. It was partially ringed by columns and archaeologists have uncovered remains of rich marble decorations and the head of a statue possibly depicting Ulysses _ the wondering Greek hero well-liked by sailors.
Keay said he plans to continue the dig if money can be raised and Ostia's archaeological office renews its collaboration with the team.
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