Roman amphitheatre, Alexandria

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I haven't found much to describe the Roman Amphitheatre of Alexandria, which is a bit of a shame, since it does seem to be in fairly good shape, and since there are many more Roman ruins that adjoin the site of the theatre. Visitors are welcome to wander about the site and take pictures of it, althought there are some areas that are out of bounds. It appears that this was a fairly small theatre, one that would seat maybe only 100 spectators, which is perhaps why little has been written about it. The adjacent area has many columns and remains of homes and rooms. Unfortunately, the curators and the caretakers of the site have not chosen to provide educational materials for visitors to learn about the purpose of the entire area, but at least you can still feel as though you are truly walking through history by visiting this particular attraction.

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Our tour group took us to the amplitheather in the middle of the city. It amazed me that it sat underground for so long right there. It wasn't until high rises were going to be built there that they were found. They are still excavating. This is also where all the artifacts found in the ocean as part of the Great Lighthouse have been brought. Can walk among them and the Roman ruins.

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Due to Pompey's Pillar being under construction, we opted to visit the Roman Theatre which cost 20LE per adult (as of Nov. 2008) with concessions for students and children. Open from 9am - 4pm.
Since 1959 at the site of Kom el - Dikka, Roman remains have been found under a Muslim cemetary. During Ptolemaic times, this area was known as the Park of Pan and Roman baths, villas and an amphitheatre were built here.
Today you can see this theatre with it's marble seating for 700-800 people. Gladiatorial games were once held here and later chariot races and there is an acoustic spot where your voice is magnified if you stand on it.
Excavation of Roman residential quarter is also occurring on a site to the north of the theatre, but this is closed to visitors.

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Do not miss visiting this amphitheatre in Alexandria. It is worth spending at least an hour or so wondering how people of ancient times built this amazing work of art.

At the Roman Amphitheatre you will see galleries, mosaic floor and marble seats with capacity of approximately 800 spectators. You can imagine how artistic these ancient people are when you see every part of the theatre decorated with marbles, granite, and mosaic.

See the photos I posted here. Enjoy it. When you visit the site, do not forget your camera. Take as many pictures as you can and treasure the time you have visited Alexandria.

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According to the guide book, the Roman theatre in Alexandria was built in the 4th century AD, and was in use until the 7th century AD. It may originally have been used for small musical performances, but was possibly converted later into a lecture theatre. There is a spot near the centre, marked by a round stone, where one's voice seems to be amplified - quite interesting to try out!

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The Roman Theatre is situated in a general area called Kom el Dikka, which has become the city's largest archaeological park. Built in the IV century AD, it remained in use until about the VII century AD, or about the time of the Arab invasion. It was discovered during the 1960s when a government building was planned for this location over the ruins of a Napoleonic fort that had earlier been destroyed. However, during excavation, the ruins of the Roman theatre were found.

The amphitheater consists of thirteen gray and white marble levels of terraces that lead down to the arena. Its buttressed wall was designed in a semicircular style to act as a passageway that ran beneath the early theater.

The theatre has seating, elevated towards the rear part, in the shape of a horseshoe. There are thirteen rows of white and gray marble seats, except for the first row which was made of red granite to give strength to the structure. The marble was imported from Europe (probably Italy). It could hold up to 800 people. The step seating of the Roman Theatre was built upon a thick limestone wall with another brick wall surrounding that one. The two walls were linked.

Open 9.00 – 17.00. Entrance fee LE15 ($3). You may see my ticket at the fifth pic.

You may watch my high resolution photos on Google Earth in Alexandria Roman Theatre according to the following coordinates 31º 11' 40.15" N 29º 54' 13.13" E
or on my Google Earth Panoramio Photo 1, Photo 2.

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Some may say the theater will be nothing if you compare with the ROme`s. Well, seeing A ROman Theater in Alexandria, Egypt, far from its home will be unimaginable though. The entrance fee in February 2007 was 15LE. After the entrance gate you will see some statues and sarchopagus from granite. The theater is lower than the ground level. Great pictures of it could be taken before going down to its stairs. You can even see the seat numbers ! It is located in a small area but it is worth to see for me. Great surroundings, many plants and trees in the area.

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My first visit to this place was in 1989. It had not change much in 16 years. Some more statues was on the courtyard. The theatre is well preserved and you can still see how beautiful the mosaic floor has been.
Entrance fee in 2005 was 10 L.E (Egyptian pound)