The amphitheatre, which is the oldest in Gaul, was first built in 19 BC. It measured 68 x 42 meters and could hold 1,800 spectators. It was the Emperor Hadrian in the early second century who transformed it in to the largest amphitheatre in Gaul: 143 x 117 meters for 20,000 spectators. Notice the 'small' staircase on the eastern side of the amphitheatre which leads down to Rue Burdeau.