Osječki zbornik, Vol. Vol. 37 No. xx, 2022.
Professional paper
Roman Amphitheatre in Mursa
Marin Buovac
Abstract
The military significance of roman Mursa and its role in the Danube limes certainly influenced the urban physiognomy and historical development of the city. The first information about the existence of amphitheater in Mursa is obtained from the greek historian Zosimus from 5/6. century, in the work Νστορία Νέα. Zosimus describes the battle between Constantius and Magnentius in the year 351, where that mentioned building was called a stadium. By studying historical sources, linguistic research and comparative analysis, we have established on the example of epigraphic monuments, it is not uncommon to mix terms of typology of ancient buildings for entertainment, such as stadiums or amphitheatres. The translation of the original greek text, the protagonists of the building are mentioned as “…those specific for the competition of the heavily armed”. Because the competitors in the ancient stadiums did not use heavy weapons for athletic competitions, it is clear that they were roman gladiators. Based on the indirect mention of gladiators, we get the final confirmation of the attribution and purpose of the building.
For the purposes of researching the problems around the amphitheater in Mursa, archival research is also important. In this context, the contribution of engineer Radoslav Franjetić is significant, who, based on field studies and the cadastral plan of Osijek from the 18th century, made valuable reconstructions of the ground plan of the roman Mursa. The field depression outside the southwest corner of the city walls, recorded on maps and plans of Osijek from the 18th century, probably marks the position of the amphitheater. Archaeological and epigraphic finds, as well as the religious context, also complete the picture of the amphitheater in Mursa.
Keywords
Mursa; amphitheatre; stadium; gladiators; Zosimus
Hrčak ID:
274476
URI
Publication date:
14.3.2022.
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