DESCRIPTION:

The stadium was built during the Antonine period, in the 2nd century A.D., between the city and the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates. It measures 229 x 24 meters and could accommodate 6,000 spectators, who sat on seven rows of seats constructed from large hewn limestone blocks. The main sports practiced in the stadium were those related to the Greek pentathlon (running events, high jump, long jump, wrestling, and discus throw). Chariot or horse races, associated with the worship of Apollo, must have taken place in the surrounding area as early as the Archaic period, as indicated by the terracotta figurine groups offered at the Sanctuary. The stadium was destroyed in the 4th century A.D. On the southern side of the stadium, to the west, survives a section of the aqueduct that carried water to Kourion from the abundant springs of the Zanatzia area.