Petranaki arena/Legends

"Let the executions begin."

- Archduke Poggle the Lesser

The petranaki arena, commonly known as the Geonosian execution arena, was brought about by both a need for entertainment in the rigid Geonosian society, and an efficient way of disposing of otherwise resource-draining prisoners. The most popular attractions used deadly beasts in combat, resulting in the extinction of some of the more crowd pleasing creatures on Geonosis.

Those looking to trade with Geonosis would often provide exotic predators for the arena entertainment as payment. Such creatures included acklays, nexu, reeks, and mongworsts.

The arena itself was a natural formation carved out by millennia of weathering, with additions made by the Geonosians. Its floor consisted of sand and silt upon which events took place. The lower walls of the arena base included ancient low-relief carvings depicting famous battles and events. The arena could also be flooded if needed so for aquatic events.

A large tunnel connected the arena to an underground Geonosian droid factory and was below the Geonosian High Audience Chamber. Droid storage chambers were also located nearby.

History
Moments prior to the Battle of Geonosis and the outbreak of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Padmé Amidala were all scheduled for execution here, having been convicted of espionage by Poggle the Lesser. With a mix of ingenuity and Jedi abilities, the trio escaped the beasts long enough for Mace Windu to arrive with a strike force of Jedi Knights. In response, large numbers of battle droids flooded the arena, signaling the start of the Clone Wars.

Fighting soon erupted between the two sides. The Jedi were overwhelmed by the sheer amounts of droids and soon only a dozen of them remained.

It would have been a defeat for the Jedi if not for the timely arrival of Master Yoda and the newly made Grand Army of the Republic, who managed to rout the CIS forces.

Afterwards, the Republic took the planet, and droid remains were taken away to be melted down.

Behind the scenes
The execution arena is similar to the Great Colosseum of Rome.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Machines of War
 * The Lesson
 * Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive
 * Star Wars: The Clone Wars
 * Star Wars: Republic Commando