Roman Theatre of Alexandria, Roman theatre in Kom el-Dikka district, Alexandria, Egypt
The Roman Theatre of Alexandria is an ancient ruin with 13 rows of marble terraces arranged in a horseshoe shape that could seat about 600 viewers. The site also displays columns from different periods and other archaeological finds that tell of the city's long past.
The theatre dates to the 4th century and was discovered in 1960 by Polish archaeologists buried beneath layers of soil in the Kom el-Dikka district. The find was part of the search for clues about Alexander the Great's tomb and helped show how Romans settled in Alexandria.
The theatre was a place for musical performances and gatherings during Roman times, where the more affluent people gathered. Its function shows how Romans used public spaces for culture and social life.
The site is located in the Kom el-Dikka neighbourhood and is easy to reach on foot when walking through the older parts of the city. Visitors should bring sun protection, as the excavation area offers little shade and exploring can take several hours.
This is the only surviving Roman theatre in Egypt and shows an unusual blend: the first row of seats was made from pink granite. This rare choice of material suggests the place held special importance for the city's wealthier residents.
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