Roman Amphitheatre Augusta Treverorum (Treves)

Erected around 100 AD, the amphitheater quickly became an integral part of the Roman city of Trier. It was a place of entertainment where local dignitaries and imperial officials, sometimes even the emperors themselves, offered the populace "bread and circuses." Animal hunts and gladiatorial contests were commonplace, and executions also took place here. Unusually for an amphitheater, it was integrated into the Roman city wall, simultaneously serving as the eastern city gate. This use continued until the 5th century. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, the structure, like many other Roman buildings in Trier, was used as a quarry during the Middle Ages.