Ancient Greek theatre of Morgantina, Ancient Greek theatre in Aidone, Sicily, Italy
The Ancient Greek theatre of Morgantina is a Greek theatre in Sicily with a semicircular audience area split into six sections built from local limestone blocks. The structure included a lower seating zone with sixteen rows and an upper earthen embankment, originally designed to hold several thousand spectators.
The theatre was built in the middle of the 3rd century BCE under the rule of Syracuse's Hiero II and replaced an earlier structure on the site. Archaeological work throughout the 20th century brought the ruins to light and eventually led to restoration efforts.
The structure incorporated an ima cavea with sixteen rows of seats and a summa cavea earthen embankment, accommodating 5000 spectators for performances.
The site is accessible on foot with good vantage points from different levels throughout the structure. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven and sloped terrain.
The northern retaining wall needed rebuilding in 1963 and received additional internal supports to handle earth pressure from above. This engineering solution shows how modern conservation helps preserve the ancient ruins.
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