Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco in Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain — Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula)
L’arena i les fosses
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The arena and the fossae
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 8, 2023
1. L’arena i les fosses / The arena and the fossae Marker
Els espectacles es feien a l'arena, que estava travessada per dues galeries subterrànies o fosses. Als murs laterals de les fosses hi recolzaven les bigues i el terra de fusta de la coberta. D'aquesta forma, quedaven ocultes als espectadors. Al sostre s'hi obrien una sèrie de trapes que permetien pujar animals i gladiadors fins a l'arena mitjançant muntacàrregues accionats amb torns I contrapesos.
Excavació de l'extrem occidental de les fosses (S. Ventura. Arxlu MNAT)
Contrapesos yobats durant les excavaciones du l’Amfitheatre (Achu MHT)
La arena y las fosas
Los espectáculos se realizaban en la arena, que estaba cortada por dos galerías subterráneas o fosas. En los muros laterales de las fosas se apoyaban las vigas y el suelo de madera de su cubierta. De esta forma, éstas quedaban ocultas a los espectadores. En su techo se abrían una serie de trampillas que permitían subir a los animales y gladiadores hasta la arena mediante montacargas accionados con tomos y contrapesos.
Excavación del extremo occidental de las fosas
this page online
The arena and the fossae
Below the arena where the performances were held were two galleries or fossae. Their lateral walls supported the beams for the wooden floor that covered them and hid them from the view of the spectators. A series of trapdoors could be opened to allow animals and gladiators to be raised into the arena using a winch, pulley and counterweight system.
Excavation of the western end of the fossae
Counterweights found during the excavation of the amphitheatre
L'arena et les fosses
Les spectacles se déroulaient dans l'arène qui était traversée par deux galeries souterraines ou fosses. Ces fosses étaient couvertes de poutres et d'un plancher en bois qui les rendaient ainsi Invisibles aux spectateurs. Une série de trappes s'ouvraient dans le plafond qui permettaient de hisser les animaux ainsi que les gladiateurs jusqu'à l'arène au moyen de monte-charges et de contrepoids.
Fouilles de l'extrémité occidentale des fosses.
Contropoids trouves lors des fouilles de l’amphithéâtre.
Erected by Museu d'Història de Tarragona (MHT). (Marker Number 10.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, August 8, 2023
2. L’arena i les fosses / The arena and the fossae Marker
Location. 41° 6.865′ N, 1° 15.513′ E. Marker is in Tarragona, Cataluña (Catalonia). It is in Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco. It can be reached from Via William J. Bryant north of Passeig Maritim Rafael Casanova, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Carrer Via William J Bryant 4, Tarragona, Cataluña 43003, Spain. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Schengen Area, in a coastal Mediterranean country, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, a Spanish colony, and the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Porta Triumphalis i la inscripció inaugural de l'Amfiteatre (here, next to this marker); La graderia meridional i la tribuna d'autoritats (here, next to this marker); El podi / The Podium (a few steps from this marker); La graderia septentrional / The Northern Seating Area (a few steps from this marker); L'església de Santa Maria del Miracle / The Church of Santa Maria del Miracle (a few steps from this marker); La inscripció d'Heliogàbal / The Inscription of Heliogabalus (within shouting distance of this marker); Els cementiris visigòtic i medieval / The Visigothic and Medieval Cemeteries (within shouting distance of this marker); Els santuaris de Nèmesi / The Nemesis Shrines (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tarragona.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
