This elliptic construction of not big dimensions (diameters 88m and 76m) served for the performances staged privately by the Imperial family and court. The name of the construction comes from Latin word "castrum" which means "court". It was built in the end of the 2nd century and it was the only monument of this type realized in Rome after Colosseum was built. When amphitheatre was incorporated in the Aurelian city walls by Honorius, everything that didn't serve for the defense was destroyed, especially in the internal part.