Roman Theatre (Cartagena) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Roman Theatre of Cartagena
History
Teatro Romano de Cartagena
The Roman Theatre in Cartagena, Spain
Location in Spain
Location	Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
Coordinates	37°35′58″N 0°59′03″W / 37.5995°N 0.9841°W / 37.5995; -0.9841
Type	Roman theatre
Founded	5-1 BCE
Cultures	Roman
Site notes
Excavation dates	1988-2003
Condition	Restored
Public access	Yes

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena (in Spanish: Teatro Romano de Cartagena) is a very old Roman theatre located in Cartagena, Spain. It's a cool place to visit and learn about ancient Roman times!

History of the Roman Theatre
What the Roman Theatre Looked Like
Gallery
See also

History of the Roman Theatre

When Was the Theatre Built?

This amazing theatre was built a long, long time ago, between 5 and 1 BCE. That means it was finished just before the year zero! We know this because of special writings found there. These writings show the theatre was dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar. They were the grandsons of Emperor Augustus, who had chosen them to take over after him.

What Happened to the Theatre Over Time?

After the Roman Empire, the theatre changed a lot. In the 3rd century CE, people built a market right on top of it. They even used some of the theatre's old stones! This market had a round open space that followed the shape of the theatre's orchestra (the main stage area).

Later, around 425 CE, the market might have been damaged by a fire. Then, in the 6th century, a new market area was built by the Byzantines in the same spot.

Rediscovering the Ancient Theatre

Even later, in the 13th century, the city's Old Cathedral was built over the top part of the theatre. For many centuries, the theatre was hidden and forgotten under other buildings.

Then, in 1988, something exciting happened! Workers found the first parts of the theatre while building a new craft center. This led to big archaeological digs and restoration work. These efforts lasted until 2003, bringing the theatre back to life. In 2008, a special museum designed by Rafael Moneo was opened. Now, everyone can visit and learn about this incredible piece of history!

What the Roman Theatre Looked Like

Seating Areas for Spectators

The theatre was huge and could hold about 6,000 people! The main seating area, called the cavea, was partly carved into the natural rock. Other parts were built on top of arched tunnels.

The cavea was divided into three main levels:

Ima cavea: The lowest part, closest to the stage.
Media cavea: The middle section.
Summa cavea: The highest part.

Staircases divided these levels into smaller sections. There were five staircases in the top part and seven in the middle and upper parts.

How People Entered and Where They Sat

People entered the theatre through two side passages called aditus. This is where the special dedication writings were found.

The orchestra was the semicircular area in front of the stage. It had three rows of wooden seats. These special seats were for important people and officials, known as the proedria.

The Stage and Its Decorations

The stage itself, called the proscenium, was very long, about 43.60 meters (about 143 feet). Behind the stage was a tall wall called the scaenae frons. This wall was about 14.60 meters (about 48 feet) high!

The scaenae frons was beautifully decorated. It had three semicircular spaces called exedras. It also had two rows of columns. The bases and tops of these columns were made from beautiful marble from Luni, Italy. The main parts of the columns were made from pink stone from Mula, Spain.

Archaeologists found some cool things near the stage. They found three round altars dedicated to Roman gods like the Capituline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva) and gods related to Apollo. They also found statues, including one of Apollo playing a lyre and another of Rhea Silvia.

Behind the Stage

Behind the main stage building, there was a large open area with a double portico (a covered walkway with columns). This area was called the porticus post scaenam. It had a central room with a garden, a nice place for actors or audience members to relax.