Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Plovdiv
The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, located in the heart of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is among the best-preserved Roman theatres globally. Constructed in the 1st century AD, likely during Emperor Domitian's reign, it originally seated between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators. Architecturally, it is a semicircular structure with a diameter of 82 meters, featuring 28 rows of marble seats divided into two tiers by an aisle, and wedge-shaped sectors separated by radial stairways. The stage building, or scaenae frons, is an impressive three-story structure adorned with Ionic and Corinthian marble columns and triangular pediments. The theatre's design includes vaulted passages connecting seating areas and the stage, reflecting advanced Roman engineering. Historically, it served not only as an entertainment venue but also as a seat for the Thracian provincial assembly, with honorary inscriptions marking reserved seats for dignitaries. Damaged in the 5th century by Attila the Hun, it was rediscovered in the 1970s following a landslide and meticulously restored using anastylosis methods. Today, it remains an active cultural venue, hosting theatrical performances and musical concerts, celebrated for its excellent acoustics and historical significance.
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Astuce: Visit during the summer months to experience theatrical plays and musical performances in the open-air setting. It is advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for event schedules and to purchase tickets in advance, especially during festival seasons. The theatre offers concessions for certain groups, so inquire about available discounts. Arrive early to appreciate the architecture and secure good seating. The site is accessible by foot within Plovdiv's Old Town area.
Faits intéressants
- •The theatre could originally seat between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators, making it one of the largest ancient theatres in the region.
- •It features a three-story stage building with Ionic and Corinthian marble columns and triangular pediments.
- •The theatre was used as a seat for the Thracian provincial assembly, evidenced by honorary inscriptions on the marble seats.
- •Gladiatorial fights and animal combats likely took place here, with safety installations uncovered near the first row related to Emperor Caracalla's visit in 214 AD.
- •The theatre was buried under earth due to a landslide and was only rediscovered in the 1970s, leading to major archaeological excavations.
Histoire
The theatre was built in the 1st century AD, probably under Emperor Domitian's rule.
It was damaged in the 5th century AD by Attila the Hun, possibly due to fire or earthquake.
Rediscovered in the early 1970s after a landslide uncovered the site, extensive archaeological excavations took place from 1968 to 1979.
Restoration was carried out using the anastylosis method, preserving the original structure while clearly marking modern interventions.
Since then, the theatre has been a prominent cultural landmark and a symbol of Plovdiv's ancient heritage.
Guide du lieu
Cavea (Spectator Seating)1st century AD
The cavea is a semicircular seating area carved into a hillside, consisting of 28 concentric rows of marble seats divided into two tiers by an aisle (diazoma) and separated into wedge-shaped sectors (kerkides) by radial stairways. Each section had inscriptions identifying city quarters and honorary seats for dignitaries.
Scaenae Frons (Stage Building)1st century AD
A three-story high stage backdrop supported by columns, featuring a facade with Ionic marble colonnades and triangular pediments on the proscaenium, and two two-story porticos in Roman Ionic and Corinthian orders facing the spectators. It includes three symmetrical gates and ornate decorative niches.
Orchestra1st century AD
The orchestra is the horseshoe-shaped area in front of the stage, 26.64 meters long, surrounded by the cavea. It served as the performance space and was connected to the cavea via vaulted entrances (parodoi).
Vaulted Passages1st century AD
Two vaulted corridors connect different parts of the theatre: one runs under the stage building from the orchestra to outside, and another runs under the central seats of the upper tier, linking the cavea with the Three Hills area.
Contact
Téléphone: 032 621 040