Ancient Theatres Around the World

This ancient stone theater stands on the southwest slope of the Acropolis and was built in the second century AD by Herodes Atticus. The structure follows Roman construction traditions with a semicircular orchestra and a multistory stage building. The building was designed for musical performances and has a seating capacity of about five thousand. The site illustrates the architectural methods of the Greek and Roman periods and today serves as a venue for concerts and theatrical performances during the summer months.

This theater on the southern slope of the Acropolis served as the performance venue for the dramas of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides during the classical period. The structure originally accommodated roughly 17,000 spectators in a semicircular stone seating arrangement. The remains visible today date primarily from the fourth century BC and subsequent Roman modifications.

This theater was built in the fourth century BCE and served as an important venue for dramatic performances in ancient Philippi. The structure uses the natural hillside slope to enhance acoustics and accommodated several thousand spectators. The preserved seating rows and orchestra area demonstrate typical features of Greek theatrical architecture.

This theater was built in the late 4th century BCE following designs by architect Polykleitos the Younger and accommodates 14,000 spectators across 55 rows of seating. The construction takes advantage of the natural slope of a hillside and creates acoustics that allow spoken words to be heard even from the uppermost tier. The structure served religious festivals honoring the healing god Asclepius and ranks among the best preserved Greek theaters today.

This ancient theater was built in the 4th century BC on a hillside above the Sanctuary of Apollo and featured 35 rows of limestone seating with capacity for approximately 5,000 spectators. The structure served as a venue for musical competitions during the Pythian Games and utilized the natural slope to enhance acoustics. The seating area provides views across the sanctuary and surrounding mountains.

This ancient theater was built in the 3rd century BC using local marble and had a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators. The structure incorporates the natural hillside terrain and displays characteristic features of Greek theatrical architecture, serving Larissa as a performance and assembly venue. The construction takes advantage of the sloped landscape to create seating tiers and enhance acoustic properties.

The theater dates from the 3rd century BC and had a capacity of 18000 seats across 55 rows.

This theater from the 4th century BC was built into a hillside and accommodated 2500 spectators.

Roman structure from the 4th century BC with a capacity of 15,000 spectators and a diameter of 140 meters.

Theater from the 3rd century BC with marble seats and a capacity of 2000 spectators.

Roman theater with nine rows of marble seats and an orchestra of 11 meters in diameter.

Cultural center in a 17th century mansion containing collections of historical photographs and paintings.

The Roman theater from the 1st century BC stands in the city center near the Alcazaba fortress.

The theater from the 3rd century BC stands on Monte Barbaro with views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The theater from the 5th century BC was carved directly into the limestone rock of Temenites hill.

The theater constructed in the 3rd century BC features stone seating and remains of the original stage building.

Built in the 4th century BC, this stone theatre features 13,000 seats and displays Greek architectural elements with Roman modifications.

This Hellenistic structure from 168 BC contains stone seating for 6,000 people and features intact architectural elements from its original construction.

Constructed in the 1st century BC, this stone theatre accommodated 8,000 spectators and retains sections of its original marble decorations.

Located on a 45-degree slope, this theatre from 197 BC seats 10,000 people and integrates Greek architectural principles into the natural terrain.

This theatre from the 3rd century BC stands on the northern slope of the acropolis. Its stone seats accommodate 3000 spectators overlooking the Corinthian Gulf.

Built in the 3rd century BC, this stone theatre contains nine rows of seats divided into sectors. The structure measures 42 meters in diameter.

Constructed in the 3rd century BC, this theatre faces the Aegean Sea. The structure includes 20 rows of seats and could hold up to 5000 people.

The theatre dates from the 4th century BC and features stone seating sections divided by walkways. Archaeological evidence indicates regular performances and ceremonies.

The stone structure retains original seating sections and foundation walls from the classical period of ancient Greece.

The theatre stands near the ancient agora with carved stone seats that could accommodate 20,000 spectators during classical performances.

The stone theatre contains remains of original seating areas and orchestra space built into the natural slope of the hill.

The stone structure features typical Greek theatre elements with carved seats, an orchestra circle and remains of the ancient stage building.

This Greek theater from the 3rd century BC was built into a natural hillside and accommodated 3,000 spectators. The surviving remains include parts of the orchestra, stage building and stone seating rows, which demonstrate the characteristic construction methods of ancient Greek theater architecture.