Emperor Domitian’s Reign and Legacy
Emperor Domitian (October 24, 51 AD – September 18, 96 AD – Emperor from September 14, 81 AD until his death) assumed control of Rome at the age of thirty, ruling passionately for fifteen years before being assassinated by the senators he had alienated. His legacy includes significant contributions to Rome’s architecture and public entertainment infrastructure. He completed the Colosseum and the Imperial Baths, initiated the rebuilding of the Circus Maximus after a fire, and constructed his own stadium, whose remains now lie beneath the lively Piazza Navona in the heart of Rome, a UNESCO heritage site.
A Vision for Public Entertainment and Social Order
Like his father Vespasian, brother Titus, and earlier Nero, Domitian understood that keeping the public entertained could win their favor and maintain social order. His stadium was a reflection of this philosophy and marked his desire to encourage Romans to engage in athletics, a celebrated form of exercise, and non-violent sports inspired by the Greeks.
The Stadium of Domitian: A Monument to Greek Ideals
The Stadium of Domitian, open to visitors here, built between 85-86 AD in the Campus Martius, was inaugurated in 86 AD to host the Certamen Capitolino Iovi, a quinquennial competition in honor of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.
This event was modeled after the Olympic Games, with Domitian aiming to bring Greek athletic ideals to Rome. Hidden approximately 4.5 meters below present-day street level, the stadium stands as the first and only example of a masonry stadium in ancient Rome. It is renowned for its historical and architectural significance.
The stadium was primarily intended for athletic contests, particularly racing, which gave it its name. The track measured 600 feet in length, matching the ancient Greek stadium unit. The word “athlete” itself originates from the Greek “athla,” meaning prize, referring to someone who competes for a reward.
Architectural Layout and Capacity
The structure’s layout was a highly elongated rectangle. It measured approximately 275 meters in length and 106 meters in width. One end was shaped like a semicircle, while the other was straight but slightly inclined.
The stadium was built from brick and coated with molded, colored stucco. Its façade and the inner pillars of the ambulatory were constructed from travertine. The track itself was likely made of packed earth. The building could accommodate around 30,000 spectators, compared to the Colosseum’s capacity of 50,000-60,000.
The Athletic and Cultural Competitions and Their Social Impact
Competitions within the stadium included races, wrestling, and boxing. They also featured pankration, a combat sport that allowed all moves except biting and scratching. Additionally, the pentathlon consisted of the discus throw, javelin throw, long jump, stadium race, and wrestling.
In addition to athletics, musical and poetic contests added an artistic element to the games. During these events, it was customary to distribute gifts and subsidies to the neediest citizens. This effort reflected Domitian’s social policies. The emperor himself presided over the games, wearing a purple toga and a golden crown adorned with images of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
Domitian’s Vision and Public Reception
Domitian’s vision was to encourage Romans to engage in athletics and non-violent sports in the Greek tradition. However, these games, despite Domitian’s admiration, were not well-received by the Roman public. They saw these games as lacking in virility. The attire and less brutal nature of Greek-inspired sports were considered immoral or “lascivious.” The people preferred more violent events, favoring boxing and pankration for their brutality.
The athletes in these events were generally professionals from Greek or Eastern regions. They competed not only for money but also for great honors. Unlike gladiators, who were of low social status, the victorious athletes in Domitian’s games could attain Roman citizenship. They could also receive tax privileges or even exemption from military service. These games were open to ordinary citizens, and a victory could greatly elevate an athlete’s social standing.
From Agones to Piazza Navona: A Lasting Legacy
In time, these games came to be known as Agones, and the name of the square evolved from Agone to Innagone, Navone, and finally Navona. This visionary attempt to “Romanize” the Greek Olympics left a lasting legacy in Rome’s cultural landscape, embodied in the Stadium of Domitian’s ruins that still lie beneath Piazza Navona today.
Visitors today have the exclusive opportunity to explore the Stadium located directly beneath Piazza Navona, as an engaging activity with tickets purchasable through us. The experience includes an audio guide in 9 languages allowing guests to delve into the stadium’s architectural and historical significance and witness firsthand Domitian’s ambitious attempt to introduce Greek athletic ideals to Rome’s cultural life.
For a truly unforgettable experience, discover the Stadium of Domitian alongside The St. Sebastian Catacombs with our curated tours, designed for true adventurers. Choose between a Shared Golf Cart Journey, a Private Golf Cart Adventure, or The Elegance of Vintage Electric Cars.
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