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Visit the Amphitheater Campano at Capua - the training school for Gladiators where Spartacus started his rebellion.

Specialist archeologists in the field of Ancient Rome will lead your tour of the Ampitheater Campano at Capua.

The amphitheater is second only in size to the Colosseum and the hypogeum - underground section - is much better preserved than that of the Colosseum in Rome.

Enjoy exclusive access to the 'gladiator room' in the amphitheater, and see the Arena of Spartacus with the benefit of an Augmented Reality video exclusively created for National Geographic to help breathe life into this 2,000 year old amphitheater.

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What to expect

Boasting a strategic location on the Via Appia, Ancient Capua was a hugely important city since its foundation in the 5th century BCE. Your journey begins at the Arena of Spartacus, the ancient amphitheater in Capua. Second in size only to Rome's Colosseum, this amphitheater is older, better preserved, and less crowded. Join your guide, a specialist in Roman archaeology, to tour the home of the Gladiator school of Ancient Rome where the legendary gladiator Spartacus made his daring escape and ignited his revolt against Roman slavery.

Upon leaving the army, Spartacus was sold into slavery. He was ordered to go to Capua to enroll in Gladiator training school, where he rebelled against his enslavement and managed to escape alongside several other trainee gladiators. He became the leader of the growing group of escaped slaves who were ready to fight for freedom and autonomy. Against the odds, Spartacus and his rebel army resisted Roman attempts to overpower them, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression.

As you explore the amphitheater's ‘hypogeum' or underground area, you'll feel like you have a backstage pass to the gladiator shows of days past. The areas here are far better preserved than those found at the Colosseum of Rome. You'll then visit what is known as the 'gladiator's room,' off limits to other visitors. Still being studied, specialist archeologists are still trying to understand the room's original purpose.

An augmented reality experience, exclusive to National Geographic travelers, will bring to life the experience of being Spartacus 2000 years ago, complete with reconstructions of the original amphitheater from the perspective of both the spectators and the gladiators. Step into the shoes of Spartacus, and feel the pulse of Ancient Rome.

After your tour, relax over a lunch lovingly prepared with local organic produce by owners who take pride in maintaining their historic surroundings. The restaurant is conveniently located on the perimeter of the archeological site.

Important to know

The images for this tour are provided and authorized by the Direzione Regionale Musei Campania
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring suitable footwear
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 48-hours in advance to receive a full refund.