Uncovering

The Nyon amphitheater’s position in a valley led to major water management problems, probably as early as the construction of the monument.

Drains and sewers running through the arena bear witness to this problematic presence for the structures and use of the site. Made of masonry facings, the pipes are lined with waterproof clay tiles. Limestone slabs, sometimes replacements, cover the structures. The water diverted by this ingenious system certainly flowed into the lake.

A man-sized hole was drilled in one of the cover plates of the main manifold to allow cleaning and maintenance of the pipe.

When the sewer was first discovered, archaeologists first documented it in plan form, before it was excavated with pickaxes and shovels. Once at the bottom of the structure, the tiles and siding are photographed and drawn.

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.