Roman Theatre, St Albans facts for kids
The Roman Theatre in St Albans, England, is a very old and special place. It's part of what was once a big Roman city called Verulamium. This theatre is unique in Britain because it has a stage, unlike other Roman sites that were more like round arenas called amphitheatres.
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What is the Roman Theatre?
The Roman Theatre at Verulamium was built around the year 140 AD. It was a busy place where people gathered for shows and events. Unlike many Roman theatres that were built on hillsides, this one was built on flatter ground. Its design is also a bit different from typical Roman theatres, though some similar ones can be found in parts of France.
A Look Back in Time
Life in the Roman city of Verulamium continued for many years, even into the 400s AD. But by then, the theatre was no longer used for performances. Sadly, it even became a place where people dumped their rubbish during the 300s AD. Over time, it was covered up and forgotten.
Discovering the Past
The theatre remained hidden for a very long time. People started digging it up in the 1800s to see what was there. Later, in the 1930s, a famous archaeologist named Kathleen Kenyon led more detailed excavations. These digs helped us understand how the theatre looked and how it was used.
Visiting Today
The land where the theatre stands belongs to the Earl of Verulam. Luckily, it is often open for everyone to visit and explore. Imagine standing where Romans once watched plays and listened to speeches!
Theatre Performances Today
Sometimes, the excavated theatre is used again for what it was built for: performances! There's even a special Roman Theatre Open Air Festival that happens regularly. It's a fantastic way to experience history coming alive in a real Roman setting.
See also
- List of Roman theatres
- St Albans Museums
External links
- OVO Roman Theatre
