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Abstract

The IAA excavations at the Eastern Circus of Caesarea were limited to two excavation areas (VI and VIa) and the anastylosis of the obelisk. Area VI was opened parallel and perpendicular to the obelisk, and Area VIa was opened 150–185 m south of the obelisk, revealing the remains of the spina, meta prima and arena floor. Four architectural strata were revealed in both areas: Stratum IV comprises pre-circus remains; Stratum III, the construction of the Eastern Circus in the second century CE until its abandonment in 640 CE; and Strata II and I attest to post-circus activity at the site, mainly for agriculture. The finds allow for a detailed discussion of the architectural elements and suggestions for their reconstruction. The plan and dimensions of the Eastern Circus of Caesarea, as well as its decoration, are in line with other well-preserved circuses revealed throughout the Roman Empire, e.g., in Rome, Lepcis Magna and Tyre.

Keywords

Roman leisure culture, facility, entertainment, architecture

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