The city sports arena is vast: the open grounds measure 230 by 160 feet , with a cross-shaped swimming pool 160 feet along its longer arm; a smaller, deeper pool; and ample room for a variety of activities in the space remaining. Herculaneum's abundant water supply would make swimming a regular component of both competitions and the daily exercise regime.

In the Palaestra stood a grand statue of the town's patron hero, Hercules. Surrounding the open grounds were temples to the god and goddess and swiftness and health, Hermes and Hygeia; meeting rooms; private boudoirs for other sorts of exercise; and a spacious upper viewing gallery for the upper classes to mingle.

Here is where M. Antonius Felix first meets the Seiantanes, one of the city's private guard maintaining order on the dark night streets.

Today the Palaestra lies mostly buried under the volcanic matrix, many of its toppled columns and stones suspended scattered through the rock. (The somewhat similar palaestra at Pompeii has been fully excavated and somewhat restored.)

From within the city, you can go directly to the Palaestra by clicking on the entry Marcus Seeks Gainful Employment in Marcus' journal.

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