Arènes+de+Lutèce


 * Arènes** **de** **Lutèce**

Holding anywhere from 10,000-17,000 people, the Arènes de Lutèce was constructed towards the end of the first century, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. The arena was widely known as a gathering place for many different reasons such as theater productions, circus performances, and sporting events. Normally, the style for an amphitheater in the time period the Arènes de Lutèce was built, was a round shape or an oval. Since the building was not in the normal style, it made a unique asset to the city. Built by Romans, it is considered to be the largest arena of its kind with walls separating the stage and seating reaching over eight feet high and a 135 foot long stage. When the Arènes de Lutèce held productions, there was a seating chart that depended on a person’s social ranking. Any seats that were up high were occupied by slaves, women and the poor; while the lower bleachers were reserved for Romans who had a high rankings or government positions. On certain occasions, a linen awning was taken out to protect spectators from the sun if it was too harsh. Another special characteristic about the Arènes de Lutèce happens to be five cubbyholes that are in the walls surrounding the stage. It is believed that these were cages which kept in any wild animals during circus performances. The Arènes de Lutèce is a piece of history to the Gallo-Roman era that took place in Paris. The term “Gallo-Roman” refers to the Gaul culture that adopted some Roman customs under the rule of the Roman Empire. Almost a century after the arena began construction, the city of Lutetia was attacked by Barbarians, and many battles followed along with it. Some pieces of the stadium were broken off and shipped to other places, such as the Île de la Cité, to strengthen the defences from more Barbarian invasions. For a long period of time, after most of its stone had been taken, the Arènes de Lutèce became a cemetery. That was until author Victor Hugo lead a group of people to restore the large amphitheater. A group called “La Société des Amis des Arènes” took the responsibility of building the arena back to original condition. The local government dedicated funds for any repairs, which paid off because in 1896 it was established as a public square. However, the renovations didn’t stop there. Towards the end of World War I, a doctor named Jean-Louis Capitan continued to restore the arena to what it looks like today. Although there are numerous aspects that make the Arènes de Lutèce special, it is regarded as not very “touristy”. The environment inside the stadium is very relaxed. During the spring and summer seasons, an average day inside includes kids playing soccer or students eating their lunch in the bleachers. Behind the open seating portion of the arena are grassy areas, trees that offer shade on a hot day, and a romantic garden.