The Roman Amphitheatre | Ancient Roman Theatre

Location of the Roman Theater in Alexandria

The Roman Theater is located in the Kom El-Dekka area of Alexandria, on Suleiman Yousry Street—Misr Station.

The history of the Roman theater in Alexandria

The Roman theater was established at the beginning of the fourth century AD and was used until the middle of the seventh century AD, and through those centuries, the theater passed through three eras, namely the Roman era. Byzantine era. The Islamic era.

Roman theater discovered in Alexandria

Fifty-seven years ago, the Polish expedition in 1960 discovered the tomb of Alexander the Great. Fifty-seven years ago, the expedition stopped working in search of that tomb and began excavating for thirty years to find marble terraces, which later became known as the Roman Theater, which later became one of the most important discoveries of the twentieth century
 

Design of the Roman Theater in Alexandria

The building has a horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped amphitheater, and the following are the main design features of the Roman theater: The theater consists of 13 rows of marble bleachers made of durable pink granite, numbered with Greek letters and numbers to organize seating. The amphitheater has a seating capacity of approximately 600 people. At the top of these stands, five compartments were built, two of which remain today. The booths were roofed with domes resting on a set of columns. The theater has a thick limestone wall surrounded by another wall to support the Roman theater. The two walls of the theater were connected by a series of arches and vaults, with the outer wall serving as a strong support for the inner wall. The theater has two ornate mosaic halls in the western entrance.

Usages of the Roman Theater in Alexandria

Studies and discoveries have indicated the uses of the Roman theater in Alexandria in past eras, as follows: It may have been used as a large lecture hall for students, especially after the discovery of some classrooms next to it in 2004. It was used as an auditorium for celebrations. The building was used as an auditorium with the dome and orchestra area. It was used as a meeting hall in the Byzantine era
 

Best things to do at the Roman Theater in Alexandria

The Roman Theater can be entered any day of the week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm without paying an entrance fee, and the following activities can be done when visiting:

Take souvenir photos. Stroll around the Roman Theater in Alexandria. Sit in the theater's garden and enjoy the view of the palm trees.