The Antique Theater, Plovdiv

The Antique Theater in Plovdiv is situated in the Old Town, in the saddle between the two hills – Dzhambaz and Taksim Tepe. It was built in the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the ruling of Emperor Trayan (98 – 117 AD). It is one of the best preserved antique theaters in the world. It was declared an archaeological monument in issue 6 of the State Gazette of 1995.

It was found during archaeological excavations conducted in 1968-79 by the Archaeological Museum of Plovdiv.

Its visible part (the theatron) is amphitheatrically situated and separated into two ranges – each consisting of 14 rows of seats, made of marble. The seats are divided into sectors by the staircases, descending to the stage. The two ranges are divided by a wide horizontal path (diazoma).

A two-storey construction called skene (a dressing-hall for the actors) with side wings that rise from the side of the stage. Inscriptions and exquisite statues which are now included in the building architecture were found. This antique theater was used to accommodate 5 to 7 thousand viewers.