Roman Theatre at Ostia Antica

The Roman theatre at Ostia Antica was first erected at the time of Augustus, is one of the most ancient built in masonry.

By the end of the second century A.D. it underwent a radical reconstruction and was enlarged to accommodate up to four thousand people. 

A unique feature of the roman theatre of Ostia Antica is the principle entrance consisiting of a central corridor with a barrel vault leading to the level of the orchestra: this characteristic is documented in Ostia Antica only and not found in other known ancient roman theatres. 

Originally there were three sections of seats, nowadays only two are conserved and the upper part was covered by a portico. The stage has a low wall with curvilinear niches to enhance sound distribution towards the seats.

Nowadays, in summertime, this two thousand years old theatre is open for shows: dramas and comedies to entertain romans and tourists as it did then.