[citation needed] The terraced seating surrounded more than half of the arena's circumference, more typical of an ancient Greek theatre rather than a Roman one which was semi-circular.

Five small rooms were situated beneath the lower terraces, some of which appear to have been animal cages that opened directly into the arena.

[citation needed] Slaves, the poor, and women were relegated to the higher tiers while the lower seating areas were reserved for Roman male citizens.

When Lutèce was sacked during the barbarian raids of AD 275, some of the structure's stone work was used to reinforce the city's defences around the Île de la Cité.

However, a portion of the original arena opposite the stage was lost to buildings which line rue Monge.