The Arenas of Arles share all the characteristics of the Roman amphitheaters built throughout the West from the late 1st century to the middle of the 3rd century to glorify the Roman Empire. Intended to accommodate 25,000 spectators, their architecture inspired by the recently completed Colosseum in Rome takes the exterior form of two levels of arcades with a total length of 446 ft (136 m) and a height of 68 ft (21 m). The elliptical-shaped central stage is surrounded by bleachers accessible by numerous corridors that also act as an evacuation system. Today, the arenas of the ancient Arelate constitute the most significant monument of the city of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.