Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi

GPS coordinates: 39.206996, 29.611891

Archaeological site: 

Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi

Description: 

The entertainment and cultural complex consisting of a theatre and a stadium is located in the northern part of Aizanoi. It signifies the importance of the city and the wealth of its inhabitants in the ancient times. The structure was erected with a large flourish in the Roman period, most probably after 160 CE. It was completed by the mid-third century. There is an inscription that attests that M. Apuleius Eurycles provided funds for the construction of this building.

It is estimated that the theatre could accommodate 20,000 spectators, and the stadium -another 13,500 viewers. However, the uniqueness of this dual structure is not because of its size, but the architectural plan, according to which they were erected next to each other, creating an entertainment complex. The stadium is adjacent to the theatre with the stage building separating these two structures. It is a unique solution because nowhere in the world have the archaeologists found a similar solution from the ancient times.

Unfortunately, frequent earthquakes severely damaged both buildings. In the case of the theatre, only parts of the audience and the stage have been preserved. In spring, the lower part of the theatre is frequently flooded. On the right side of the stadium, looking from the main road, there is a preserved fragment of the wall with carved medallions bearing the names of the winners.

Visitor tips: 

The entrance to the area of the theatre-stadium complex is free of charge.

Getting there: 

The theatre-stadium complex is situated on the northern side of the road that connects the archaeological site of Aizanoi with Çavdarhisar village (Cumhuriyet Caddesi). There is a path leading to the complex. On the way, it is possible to see the ruins of the Roman baths. The distance from the Zeus Temple to the complex is 550 meters.

Bibliography: 

Image gallery: 

Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi
Theatre-stadium complex in Aizanoi