Plovdiv Roman theatre

Ancient theatre of Philippopolis

Shown within Plovdiv City Center
Location	Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Coordinates	42°08′49″N 24°45′04″E / 42.14684°N 24.751006°E / 42.14684; 24.751006
Type	Theatre
History
Builder	Marcus Ulpius Traianus
Material	bricks, marble
Founded	108 - 114 AD
Periods	Roman Empire
Site notes
Excavation dates	1968 – 1979
Condition	Restored
Ownership	Plovdiv Municipality
Public access	Yes
Website	http://www.visitplovdiv.com/en/node/522

Coordinates: 42°08′49″N 24°45′04″E / 42.14684°N 24.751006°E / 42.14684; 24.751006

The Roman theatre of Plovdiv (Latin: TEATRUM TRIMONTENSE; Bulgarian: Пловдивски античен театър, Plovdivski antichen teatar) is one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres, located in the city center of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It was constructed in the 90s of I century AD, probably under the rulership of Emperor Domitian. The theatre can host between 5000 and 7000 spectators and it is currently in use.

The theatre is located in the Old town of Plovdiv, in the saddle between Dzhambaz and Taksim hills.

The spectator seats are orientated to the south, towards the ancient city in the lowland and the Rhodope Mountains. In outline, the theatre is a semi-circle with an outer diameter of 82 meters. The theatre itself is divided into the seating section (auditorium) and the stage (orchestra). The auditorium, the area in which people gathered, is hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. The auditorium was not roofed. The spectator seats (cavea) surround the stage – the orchestra – which has the shape of a horseshoe, 26.64 meters long, includes 28 concentric rows of marble seats, divided into two tiers by an aisle (diazoma). The upper part of the tiers is interrupted by narrow radial stairways, which divide the cavea into wedge-shaped sectors (kerkides). The theatre also has a podium, which supports the columns of the scaenae frons.