The amphitheater of Porolissum is one of the largest known public buildings in Roman Dacia. The exterior dimensions are 84.5 x 73.7 m, while the size of the arena is 66.5 x 51.2 m. Scholars estimate that the amphitheater could hold 5500 spectators.
The amphitheater of Porolissum was first constructed in wood under the Emperor Hadrian. The wooden building became dilapidated and was replaced with a stone amphitheater in AD 157, under the Emperor Antoninus Pius.
The amphitheater was the venue of a variety of shows for the local population: gladiatorial fights, acrobatics, mythological scenes, hunting animals, celebrations, religious celebrations, etc.
