Rekognosciranje i pokušaj ubikacije siscijanskoga amfiteatra
Reconnaissance and an attempt to determine the site of the Siscia amphitheatre

Summary/Abstract: An answer to the question concerning the existence of an amphitheatre in Antique Siscia has hitherto not been provided either by written sources or by modern archaeology. Although the existence of an architectural complex of this kind must be considered highly likely in an Antique colony of the size of Siscia, the silence of written and material sources is telling. So the question of the existence of an amphitheatre in Antique Siscia demands an interdisciplinary approach. Th is approach involves an analysis of archaeological architectural fi ndings; archaeological material remnants; historical sources (from Antiquity as well as those from later periods); studies of urban continuity, onomastic and religious studies. Th e fi nal answer should thus arise at the intersection of these interdisciplinary egments. Urban studies of Antiquity consider highly likely the existence of an architectural complex with the purpose of entertainment on the territory of a large Antique colony such as Siscia. Material archaeological heritage is rich and symbolical and for this reason divided into several units, to provide better overview and insight into its quantity. Architectural archaeological evidence of a complex of this kind has not been uncovered to the present day, yet that does not mean it never existed. There are numerous examples of wooden amphitheatres that fell victim to atmospheric conditions. Thus we have to tread carefully when proposing a final conclusion. To start with, we must first propose hypotheses for further research, that is for reconnaissance and then for work on the siting of specifi c land section, to provide an answer to the question of the location of the Siscia amphitheatre. Using this approach, we identifi ed one possible location of the Siscia amphitheatre: the southern slopes below the present-day General Hospital Dr Ivo Pedišić. We think that the geomorphological features of this site suggest the location of an amphitheatrical complex.

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