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New surveys carried out at Cartagena's Roman Amphitheatre suggest the ancient monument may have been larger than experts originally believed.
The findings come from the latest ground-penetrating radar scans, which allow archaeologists to see beneath the ground without having to dig. Early results suggest the amphitheatre may have stretched further than previously thought, prompting researchers to take another look at the true size of the site and how it was laid out.
Built in the 1st century AD, the amphitheatre is believed to have held between 10,000 and 11,000 spectators. The new surveys have also revealed possible hidden structures that could help experts better understand how the huge venue functioned during Roman times.
The project is being carried out by Cartagena City Council in partnership with the University of Murcia and the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida. So far, the work has focused on identifying the amphitheatre's outer boundary, as well as locating entrances, passageways and routes that would have been used by crowds moving around the building.
According to Cartagena's Councillor for Heritage, Pablo Braquehais, the latest discoveries are helping researchers build a clearer picture of the amphitheatre and plan future excavation work.
The findings add to a growing number of archaeological discoveries in Cartagena in recent years, showing once again why Cartagena is considered one of Spain's most important Roman archaeological sites.
The latest discoveries come as the Cartagena City Council moves ahead with plans to invest another €2 million in the site.
The funding will help complete excavations in the arena area, preserve part of the former bullring built above the amphitheatre and expand the areas that visitors will eventually be able to explore.
The council's long-term plan is to allow people to visit the amphitheatre permanently, even while archaeological work continues.
Excavations carried out in recent years have already uncovered several important features, including animal holding areas beneath the arena, entrances used by both spectators and gladiators, and exceptionally well-preserved service rooms. Together, the discoveries are helping archaeologists piece together how this vast Roman entertainment venue once operated and what daily life may have looked like behind the scenes nearly 2,000 years ago.
Image: Cartagena City Hall
Cartagena tourism information
Where to find basic tourism information and information about historical sites and places to visit in Cartagena, Spain.
Cartagena has a wealth of historical sites, including the Roman Theatre Museum, Archaeological Museum, ARQUA Subaquatic Archaeology Museum, Panoramic lift, Civil War Air raid Shelter and Military and Naval Museums, as well as Tourist Bus and Tourist Boat which ferries visitors across to the Fuerte de Navidad.
There is one main Tourist Information Office and 2 tourist information points, the main one being in the Muralla Púnica Interpretation centre in Calle de san Diego and the other next to the Civil War Air Raid Shelter and Panoramic lift.
The office in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is the easiest place to pick up a map if you've come into the port from a cruise ship, and has a few basic 
leaflets, but not a lot else.
The information point for the Puerto de Culturas attractions is by the Panoramic lift and Civil War Air Raid shelter in Calle Gisbert, although maps and leaflets are available at any of 3 information points.
There is plenty of in depth information about Cartagena in the dedicated Cartagena section, accessed via the map box at the bottom of every article page or by using the town search box at the top of the page. the introduction gives basic information about the city and then readers can select from the subjects below for information about the city, or the rest of the municipality.
Tourist Offices:
Oficina Municipal de Turismo Puertas de San José
Plaza Almirante Bastarreche s/n
Opening hours: weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 18.00, Saturdays 10.00 to 13.00.
Oficina Municipal de Turismo Muralla Púnica
Calle de San Diego, 25
30202, Cartagena
Telephone 968 52 14 27
Click for map, Tourist information office Muralla Púnica.
Opening hours.
31st July to 15th September, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm
31st March to 30th June, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm.
16th September to 4th November, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm.
5th November to 30th March, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.
Punto de Informacion Turistica
This is on the side of the Palacio Consistorial in Cartagena ( The Town Hall)
Plaza del Ayuntamiento S/N
Cartagena, Spain
Tel 968 128 955
Click for map, Tourist Information point, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
Opening hours
May to September: Monday-Saturday 10am-1.30pm and 5pm-7pm
Sunday 10.30am-1.30pm.
October to April: Monday-Saturday 10am-2pm and 4pm-6pm
Sunday 10.30am-1.30pm.
Cartagena - Punto de Información Turística Ascensor Panorámico
Calle Gisbert, 10
30202 CARTAGENA
Opening hours:
From 31st March to 30th June, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
Semana Santa, Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
From 16th to 30th September (Cartagineses y Romanos) Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
From1st October to 4th November , Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
From 5th November to 30th March, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.
From 1st July to 15th September, Monday to sunday 10am to 8pm
Click for map, Panoramic Lift, Cartagena
