DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18096#0305
Africa under the Gordians 233
of this description. Comparing it with the Colosseum at Rome,
there is marked variation in the dimensions of repeated features,
especially in the proportions of wall spaces and the open arches
of the arcades. The extreme major axis may be estimated at
489 feet, and the minor axis at 403 feet. The height of the
first Order is 26 feet 6 inches, of the second Order 32 feet
10 inches, and of the third Order 29 feet 8 inches. Assuming
that the attic was intended to be of the same proportionate
height as its prototype in Rome, the total height of the external
wall, measured from the ground, would have been 124 feet
6 inches. The construction itself possesses considerable merit.
The stone, a shelly limestone, quite white when quarried, but
after long exposure presenting a golden hue, is very beautiful
when the sun is low on the horizon,, but it did not admit of very
fine workmanship. The surface of the stone is excellent, and
the vaulting throughout, which is in smaller blocks, is well
worthy of study. The stones have not in all cases been well
fitted, owing probably to the rapid execution of the work, and
consequently the mortar joints, especially in the corridors, are
thicker than one generally meets with in the best class of
Roman masonry. The proportions of the openings and wall
spaces are very pleasing, and the mouldings generally, though
simple and frequently repeated, have been well considered.
The history of this amphitheatre has been a stirring one in
later times. Its form and solidity made it useful as a fortress,
and we learn that, at the time of the Arab invasion of North
Africa, a female chieftain named El-Kahina resisted their ap-
proach, taking shelter within the building and sustaining a long
siege. In 1697 the tribes of the district refused payment of the
annual tribute to the Bey and sought refuge within its walls.
Artillery was brought to bear upon the edifice, and a breach
equal to one-fourth of the perimeter prevented its ever being
used again for a similar purpose. Since that time many of the
dislodged blocks of stone have been carried off and the breach
made larger. The miserable dwellings of Arabs now clustered
round the walls, and even within the lower arcades, present a
striking and piteous contrast to the noble workmanship of their
predecessors.
The whole subject of amphitheatres forms an important
chapter in Roman history. They are a type of public buildings
of this description. Comparing it with the Colosseum at Rome,
there is marked variation in the dimensions of repeated features,
especially in the proportions of wall spaces and the open arches
of the arcades. The extreme major axis may be estimated at
489 feet, and the minor axis at 403 feet. The height of the
first Order is 26 feet 6 inches, of the second Order 32 feet
10 inches, and of the third Order 29 feet 8 inches. Assuming
that the attic was intended to be of the same proportionate
height as its prototype in Rome, the total height of the external
wall, measured from the ground, would have been 124 feet
6 inches. The construction itself possesses considerable merit.
The stone, a shelly limestone, quite white when quarried, but
after long exposure presenting a golden hue, is very beautiful
when the sun is low on the horizon,, but it did not admit of very
fine workmanship. The surface of the stone is excellent, and
the vaulting throughout, which is in smaller blocks, is well
worthy of study. The stones have not in all cases been well
fitted, owing probably to the rapid execution of the work, and
consequently the mortar joints, especially in the corridors, are
thicker than one generally meets with in the best class of
Roman masonry. The proportions of the openings and wall
spaces are very pleasing, and the mouldings generally, though
simple and frequently repeated, have been well considered.
The history of this amphitheatre has been a stirring one in
later times. Its form and solidity made it useful as a fortress,
and we learn that, at the time of the Arab invasion of North
Africa, a female chieftain named El-Kahina resisted their ap-
proach, taking shelter within the building and sustaining a long
siege. In 1697 the tribes of the district refused payment of the
annual tribute to the Bey and sought refuge within its walls.
Artillery was brought to bear upon the edifice, and a breach
equal to one-fourth of the perimeter prevented its ever being
used again for a similar purpose. Since that time many of the
dislodged blocks of stone have been carried off and the breach
made larger. The miserable dwellings of Arabs now clustered
round the walls, and even within the lower arcades, present a
striking and piteous contrast to the noble workmanship of their
predecessors.
The whole subject of amphitheatres forms an important
chapter in Roman history. They are a type of public buildings