Roman Theatre (Tarraco) facts for kids
 Location in Spain
|
|
| Location | Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain |
|---|---|
| Region | Hispania |
| Coordinates | 41°6′46″N 1°14′58″E / 41.11278°N 1.24944°E |
| Type | Roman theatre |
| History | |
| Cultures | Iberian, Roman |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii |
| Designated | 2000 (24th session) |
| Part of | Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco |
| Reference no. | 875-006 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Official name | Yacimiento Arqueológico Teatro Romano |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Archaeological site |
| Designated | 5 December 1977 |
| Reference no. | RI-55-0000111 |
The Roman theatre of Tarraco was an ancient Roman theatre. It was built in a city called Tarraco, which is now known as Tarragona in Spain. This theatre was created during the time of Augustus, a famous Roman emperor. It was located near the city's main public area, the local forum, and the port. The builders were smart and used the natural slope of a hill to help create some of the seating for the audience.
Even though a lot of the theatre was destroyed in the 1900s, you can still see parts of its main sections. These include the cavea (where people sat), the orchestra (the flat area in front of the stage), and the scaena (the stage itself). You can view these old ruins from a special lookout point built nearby.
Contents
History of the Theatre
Building the Roman Theatre
The theatre was built around the end of the 1st century BC. This was during the rule of Emperor Augustus. It was part of a big project to make the forum of the Roman colony look grand. This made the theatre one of the most important buildings in Tarraco.
Later Uses and Changes
The theatre was used for performances until the late 2nd century AD. After that, it was no longer used as a theatre. In the 3rd century, a fire happened nearby. New buildings were then constructed using materials taken from the old theatre.
Theatre Design and Features
How the Theatre Was Built
Today, the theatre is not fully restored, even though it is a World Heritage Site. However, a viewing spot has been opened on Sant Magí street. Work is also being done to fix up the theatre area and the buildings around it. To build the theatre, the natural slope of the land was used. This is similar to how the Amphitheater in Tarragona was built. Part of the seating area was carved into the hill. For the other parts, a system of circular cryptoporticus (covered walkways) was used to support the structure.
The Stage Area (Scaena)
The scaena was a very important part of the Roman theatre. This was the stage area where all the plays and shows happened. It was raised up on a platform. This platform was often decorated with exedras, which are curved recesses. Next to the stage, there was a special entrance area for people coming to the theatre. This area had beautiful gardens and a pond in the middle. The pond had statues placed on pedestals.
Stage Decorations (Proscaenium)
The front of the stage was called the proscaenium. This part was enclosed and decorated with many details. This decorated front was known as the frons scaenae.
Audience Seating (Cavea)
The way the audience sat in the theatre was very organized. People were seated based on their social status and wealth. This showed the different levels of society in Roman times.
Discoveries and What Remains Today
What You Can See Now
Today, only the first five rows of seats around the orchestra are still complete. You can also see two of the three staircases that divided the seating sections. The base of the pulpitum (the stage platform) and the scaenae frons (the decorated stage front) are still visible. You can even see where the supports for the stage curtain used to be.
Archaeological Finds
During digs inside and around the theatre, many important items have been found. These include capitals (the tops of columns), friezes (decorative bands), parts of columns, and sculptures. These finds help us learn more about what the theatre looked like and how it was used.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro romano de Tarraco para niños
- List of Roman theatres
- Tarragona Amphitheatre
- Wall of Tarragona
- Devil's Bridge
- Tower of the Scipios
- Tarraco
