thumb|Arena of Nîmes () The amphitheatre was, with the triumphal arch and basilica, the only major new type of building developed by the Romans.Henig, p. 26. Blagg also mentions baths, granaries, insulae and large villas. Some of the most impressive secular buildings are the amphitheatres, over 200 being known and many of which are well preserved, such as that at Arles, as well as its progenitor, the Colosseum in Rome. They were used for gladiatorial contests, public displays, public meetings and bullfights, the tradition of which still survives in Spain and Portugal. Their typical shape, functions and name distinguish them from Roman theatres, which are more or less semicircular in shape; from the circuses (akin to hippodromes) whose much longer circuits were designed mainly for horse or chariot racing events; and from the smaller stadia, which were primarily designed for athletics and footraces. thumb|Amphitheatre of El Jem () The earliest Roman amphitheatres date from the middle of the first century BC, but most were built under Imperial rule, from the Augustan period (27 BC–14 AD) onwards. Imperial amphitheatres were built throughout the Roman Empire; the largest could accommodate 40,000–60,000 spectators, and the most elaborate featured multi-storeyed, arcaded façades and were elaborately decorated with marble, stucco and statuary. After the end of gladiatorial games in the 5th century and of animal killings in the 6th, most amphitheatres fell into disrepair, and their materials were mined or recycled. Some were razed, and others converted into fortifications. A few continued as convenient open meeting places; in some of these, churches were sited.
thumb|Arena of Nîmes () The amphitheatre was with the triumphal arch and basilica the only major new type of building developed by the RomansHenig p 26 Blagg also mentions baths granaries insulae and large villas Some of the most impressive secular buildings are the amphitheatres over 200 being known and many of which are well preserved such as that at Arles as well as its progenitor the Colosseum in Rome They were used for gladiatorial contests public displays public meetings and bullfights the tradition of which still survives in Spain and Portugal Their typical shape functions and name distinguish them from Roman theatres which are more or less semicircular in shape; from the circuses (akin to hippodromes) whose much longer circuits were designed mainly for horse or chariot racing events; and from the smaller stadia which were primarily designed for athletics and footraces thumb|Amphitheatre of El Jem () The earliest Roman amphitheatres date from the middle of the first century BC but most were built under Imperial rule from the Augustan period (27 BC–14 AD) onwards Imperial amphitheatres were built throughout the Roman Empire; the largest could accommodate 40000–60000 spectators and the most elaborate featured multi-storeyed arcaded façades and were elaborately decorated with marble stucco and statuary After the end of gladiatorial games in the 5th century and of animal killings in the 6th most amphitheatres fell into disrepair and their materials were mined or recycled Some were razed and others converted into fortifications A few continued as convenient open meeting places; in some of these churches were sited