Smyrna Theatre

Smyrna Theatre

Smyrna Theatre is located at a location with a perfect view of the city on the slope between Pagos and Smyrna Agora. This theatre was a place of political, religious, and cultural activities.

Earliest reference to Smyrna Theatre can be found in De Architectura by Vitruvius, proving that it was built before 1st century B.C.E. Second ancient source belongs to Arsitides, who lived in 2nd century C.E. Despite the theatre becoming ruined, researchers and travellers visiting the city after 17th century still kept writing about it.

Most detailed observation on Smyrna Theatre was made by Otto Berg and Otto Walter in 1912-1913. Following their study, they prepared a report titled 'Roman Theatre in Izmir', also sharing archaeological data acquired from the excavation around the houses in this region in 1917 and 1918.

The theatre included a three-storey stage structure. 'Cavea' (audience section) of the theatre had a diameter of 152 metres, features 3 levels; there were also two walking paths lining 30 metres in a semicircle around the pit. (PHOTO)

Smyrna Theatre was repaired during Emperor Claudius' reign in Roman times, probably after an earthquake. It is assumed that the theatre achieved the current form after the repairs and extensions after the earthquake in 178 C.E. It wasn't used after 4th century.

This theatre area you're in was revealed almost entirely following the demolition of the houses on it in 2014. Archaeological excavation and studies were started after the demolition; one of the first findings was a twelve-line inscription dated back to 2nd century. This inscription says Marcus Claudius Proklos, archpriest of empire temples, built a fountain as a sacrifice to gods and emperors in the name of the city, and the spring water was coming from the theatre.

Once described as 'the most beautiful marble theatre in Anatolia', we hope Smyrna Theatre regains its original function with its 16-20 thousand people capacity.