Theatre of Herculaneum, Ancient Roman theatre in Ercolano, Italy.

The theatre of Herculaneum is an ancient Roman structure built with a semicircular design containing three distinct seating sections for audiences. The building displays typical Roman theatre architecture with zones for spectators and a stage area where performances took place.

The site was discovered by chance in 1710 during well-digging work, which led to systematic excavations starting in 1738 under the direction of King Charles of Bourbon. This event became a turning point for understanding Roman life in the region.

The theatre hosted comedies and satires, and its decoration carried messages about status: the wall above the seating bore large bronze statues of Herculaneum's notable figures and members of the imperial family. The stage front was revetted in marble, with columns of African and giallo antico marble. Most of this ornament was stripped away in the 18th century.

The theatre is still buried under tufa and can only be visited through narrow tunnels. Entry is via a hall built in 1750 and remodelled in 1849, where a model made in 1808 and plans are displayed. After stairs, a balcony built in the 18th century on piperno corbels overlooks a light well and part of the media cavea steps.

The bronze equestrian statues from the upper seating were melted down to mint coins bearing Charles III's portrait; only fragments survive. A door there opens onto a box paved in white marble, where charred wooden beams still lie by the threshold.