Hellenistic-Roman Theatre, Paphos

The Hellenistic-Roman Theatre, which once echoed with the voices of actors and the applause of spectators, tells the story of a cultural heritage that spans centuries.

Built around 300 BC by the Ptolemies of Alexandria, this theatre found its home on the southern slope of a hill, on the northeast side of the ancient walled city of Nea Paphos. It stood as a testament to the enduring love for the performing arts during Greek and Roman times, and its existence continued until the late 4th century AD.

The theatre underwent several transformations throughout its history, with at least five major phases of building and renovation. These phases reflect the evolving nature of performances, from the early Greek traditions to the opulence of the Roman period, as well as responses to damages caused by earthquakes.

At the zenith of its glory, during the reign of the Roman Antonine emperors in the mid-second century AD, the theatre's stage building was adorned with a majestic marble facade. With a remarkable width of 90 meters and a cavea that could accommodate over 8,000 spectators at an impressive angle of 26.5 degrees, this theatre was a true marvel of ancient engineering and architecture.

However, by the end of the third century AD, likely in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 365 AD, the theatre was abandoned. Much of its stonework was repurposed and carried away for use in other construction projects throughout the town. For centuries, the theatre lay in silent repose, a relic of bygone times.

Yet, in the 12th and 13th centuries AD, the theatre experienced a renaissance of sorts. The bustling activity around the Paphos harbour, now a crucial economic hub for Crusaders en route to the Holy Land, brought renewed life to this ancient site.