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But what happens during archaeological excavations, especially on a site like the Nyon amphitheatre? The first step is to use a mechanical shovel to clear away the existing levels of earth. In the case of the amphitheatre, the plot was largely filled in during the modern era. The arena floor is several meters deep.

As we reach the level of the archaeological layers, the excavation work becomes more meticulous to avoid damaging the remains. Pick and shovel, then trowel and bucket, sometimes even paintbrush and vacuum cleaner to remove the most fragile objects… Archaeologists dig from layer to layer and structure to structure.

The walls of the arena podium and its limestone block facing, the arena’s circulation level, the hidden pipes beneath, the arena’s entrance thresholds and two rooms in the podium’s side walls were uncovered. Post holes, a well, numerous coins and other objects were also discovered. Studies are currently underway to determine whether the latter elements are contemporary with the use of the amphitheatre, or whether they predate or postdate it.

The amphitheatre on display

The Roman Museum of Nyon’s exhibition L’Amphithéâtre s’affiche is on show in the town of Nyon from November 10, 2024 to January 21, 2025. It showcases the work of archaeologists through photographs taken during excavations of the amphitheatre in 1996.

Amphitheatre?

For more information on the amphitheatre, its past and its future, discover the temporary exhibition at the Roman Museum of Nyon Amphitheatre? from May 31, 2024 to January 11, 2026.