The last proprietor, imagining that the word _Evreux_ meant _Roman Antiquities_, was seized with the happy thought of changing it to _Vreux_, as simpler and more expressive; and so it has remained.
The _Vreux_ are very curious, and give a stupendous idea of the size of the amphitheatre which once existed on this spot.

The whole of the court and large gardens of this inn offer remains of the seats, steps, temples, and vaults.

One huge opening is fearful to look at, and preserves its form entire: it appears to have been an entrance for the beasts and cars and companies of gladiators, which figured in the arena.
Garlands of luxuriant vines, with white and black grapes in clusters, now adorn the ruined walls; and fruit-trees and flowering shrubs grow on the terraces.

It requires some attention to trace the form of the amphitheatre; as so many houses and walls are built in, and round about its site.
The foundation is attributed to the Emperor Gallienus, and occurred probably in the third century.

Medals of many kinds of metal have been frequently found in excavating, which prove the period; but the learned have not been silent on so tempting a theme, and the history of the Arenes de Poitiers has occupied the attention of all the antiquaries of France.