Roman Amphitheatre (Kom El-Dikka)
Al Iskandariyah
The Roman Amphitheatre at Kom El-Dikka in Alexandria is a unique archaeological site, being the only Roman amphitheatre discovered in Egypt. Built in the early 4th century AD, the structure is designed in a horseshoe or U-shape with 13 rows of marble seats, each marked with Greek letters and numbers to organize seating for approximately 600 spectators. Originally used as an Odeon for musical performances, it featured excellent acoustics thanks to its dome and orchestra area. During the Byzantine period, the amphitheatre was repurposed as a meeting hall called a bouleuterion. The site also exhibits various artifacts, including column remnants from different eras, reliefs depicting King Seti I, and sphinx statues representing kings Ramses II and Psamtik I of the 26th dynasty. Its accidental discovery in 1960 by a Polish archaeological mission searching for Alexander the Great's tomb highlights its historical significance and the rich cultural layers of Alexandria.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during cooler parts of the day to enjoy the open-air site comfortably. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. The site offers discounts for students and groups. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the amphitheatre's history and artifacts. The amphitheatre is accessible via public transport, located near the Misr Station area on Suleiman Yousri Street.
Interesting facts
- •It is the only Roman amphitheatre discovered in Egypt.
- •The amphitheatre’s seating is arranged in 13 rows of marble benches marked with Greek letters and numbers for organized seating.
- •Originally used as an Odeon, it had excellent acoustics due to a dome and orchestra area.
- •During the Byzantine period, it was converted into a bouleuterion (meeting hall).
- •The site includes artifacts such as sphinx statues representing Pharaohs Ramses II and Psamtik I.
History
The Roman Amphitheatre was constructed in the early 4th century AD during the Roman period of Alexandria.
It was originally designed as an Odeon for musical performances, reflecting the cultural life of the city under Roman rule.
In the Byzantine era, its function shifted to serve as a bouleuterion, or meeting hall.
The amphitheatre remained buried and unknown until its accidental discovery in 1960 by a Polish archaeological team excavating for Alexander the Great's tomb.
Since then, it has become a significant site illustrating Alexandria's layered history and Roman architectural influence.
Place Guide
Seating Area4th century AD
Composed of 13 rows of marble seats arranged in a horseshoe shape, each seat is marked with Greek letters and numbers to organize audience seating. It could accommodate around 600 spectators.
Orchestra and Dome4th century AD
The orchestra area was used for musical performances, enhanced by a dome that provided excellent acoustics, making the amphitheatre suitable as an Odeon.
Artifacts Display
The site displays various artifacts including columns from different eras, reliefs depicting King Seti I, and sphinx statues representing Pharaohs Ramses II and Psamtik I of the 26th dynasty.
Contact
Phone: 03 3902904
