Melissa's Amusings: Germany Vacation-Trier's Roman Sights; Basilica, Roman Bridge, and Amphitheater

The Basilica of Constantine is hard to miss with its massive size; 220 feet long, 90 feet wide, and 98 feet high. This brick building was built around 310 AD as an impressive throne hall for Constantine. It is now the largest single- room Roman structure in existence. I do not have any pictures of the inside because there was a 'no pic taking sign' :-( The only word I can come up with to describe it is 'cavernous'.

I can't even guess how many bricks are in this building!

Such thin bricks!

In the 17th century a Rococo style palace was added to the side, and during the Napoleonic and Prussian times, the Basilica was used as an army barrack. Since 1856, the Basilica has been the site for the Protestant Church of St. Savior.

The pink rococo palace looks a bit odd as an addition to the Basilica.

Along our way to the Roman bridge, we passed by this structure. I don't know if it is a remnant left of the Roman wall, but seemed kind of old and neat :-)

We also passed by this ruin, which was closed to tourism until further notice. I snapped a few pics and recently found out what the Barbarathermen was. The Barbara baths were the largest Roman baths in the 2nd Century. During the Middle Ages, they served as a castle. All that is left now are the foundations and subterranean tunnels. The rest was torn down and the material was used for other buildings, like the Jesuit College in 1610.

When we reached the Mosel river and Roman bridge, we were ready to just relax and enjoy the view. Like many of the other Roman sites, the bridge is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Five of the seven support columns date back to 144-152 AD.The basalt (black) stone blocks came from the Eifel mountains .They are held together with metal clamps/rods, similar to Porta Nigra.

The bridge was destroyed by the French in 1689.While being repaired by Johann Georg Judas in 1716-1718, a crucifix and statue of St. Nicholas was added on the 5th pillar.

At this idyllic spot, the boys reviewed the map and selected a route to our next destination.

I am not sure if Geoffrey is paying any attention :-)

I am sure that they did not realize that the street they picked was the 'red light' district :-)

The Amphitheater was built between 160-200 AD, a time when Romans considered it a "must" for a city to have one. This was the stage for not only the violent gladiatorial battles and animal hunts, but also for the important religious festivals and music recitals; definitely an important structure for their culture.

The majority of the amphitheater is made up of earth embankments with some cement masonry and limestone for support.

The wide paths entering the arena from the North and South were the entry roads.

Instead of grassy slopes, this area had stone seating for around 20,000 spectators.

The stones were taken away during the Middle Ages and were used as construction materials for other buildings.

Pretty steep sitting area

Looking down at the South entry road.

towards the entrance

towards the arena

The view one would have when entering the arena from the south entry road.

Geoffrey contemplating if he wants to enter the arena?

The passages through the embankment were made with semi-circular relieving arches to help reinforce against the earth pressure on the walls.

Vomitorium (to spew); the ancient word used for the passage used by the crowds when entering/exiting.

more barrel vault/ arches

Exploring the arena...

with all its doorways to the former 15 cells/cages.

Below the arena is a cellar. Down here both prisoners and wild animals were kept/caged. It is below the water table and is always wet.

Also, down here a wooden lift platform was made, which was used for speedy scenery and prop changes during shows. Under the water, the stone blocks used as a base and the shafts for the where the counterweights for the lifting apparatus were stored may be seen.