Primus Pilus Posted July 8, 2004 Report Share Posted July 8, 2004 MILAN (Reuters) - Milan opened the gates to its ancient amphitheater on Monday but there was little for visitors to the 2,000-year-old ruin to see. Hidden behind modern buildings in the center of Italy's financial capital, the gray stone foundations of a few walls are all that remain of the huge oval-shaped amphitheater where gladiators and wild animals once fought to the death. Archaeologists say the arena, built in the first century, was only slightly smaller than Rome's Colosseum. It once boasted 40-meter (130 feet) walls crowned with columns that towered over the outskirts of ancient Milan but was largely destroyed in wars about 500 years later. Local authorities proudly announced the new historical site. Unlike many Italian cities, Milan is home to only a handful of landmarks, chief among them its Gothic cathedral and the La Scala opera house. From Yahoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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