Roman Theatre, Cartagena (must see)

The Roman Theater in Cartagena is a remarkable archaeological site that carries a rich history dating back to the first century BCE. It was constructed between 5 and 1 BCE, dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, the grandsons of Emperor Augustus, who intended them to be his successors.

Throughout the centuries, the theater witnessed various transformations. In the 3rd century, a market was erected above it, cleverly reusing its materials and maintaining a semi-circular layout reminiscent of the theater's orchestra. However, the market likely fell into disuse after a fire caused by the Vandals in 425 CE. Later, during the 6th century, the Byzantines established a market district on the site.

In the 13th century, the Old Cathedral of the city was constructed atop the upper cavea, further obscuring the theater's existence. It wasn't until 1988 that the first remains of the theater were rediscovered during the construction of the Centro regional de artesanía. The subsequent archaeological excavations and restoration work, completed in 2003, unveiled this ancient treasure. In 2008, a museum designed by Rafael Moneo was inaugurated, providing visitors with valuable insights into the theater's historical significance.

The Roman Theater was ingeniously carved into the rocks, particularly in its central section, where it presides over a series of vaulted galleries. This magnificent structure could accommodate around 6,000 spectators and was divided horizontally into three parts: ima, media, and summa cavea. Radial sectors were created by a network of staircases, with five in the upper section, seven in the medium and upper tiers.

Two side passages (aditus) served as entry points for the audience, revealing inscriptions dedicated to the theater's benefactors. The orchestra boasted a semicircular design and featured three rows of wooden seats for dignitaries (proedria). The stage, known as the proscenium, extended for an impressive length of 43.60 meters. The scaenae frons, the stage backdrop, was adorned with three semicircular exedras and adorned with two orders of columns. These columns boasted bases and capitals made from Luni's marble, while the shafts were crafted from pink travertine of Mula.

The stage edifice reached a towering height of 14.60 meters and featured notable elements, including three round altars dedicated to the Capitoline Triad and Apollo's associated divinities, such as the Graces, Muses, and Horae. Statues of Apollo playing the lyre and Rhea Silvia were also found nearby.

Situated behind the stage building was a portico, the porticus post scaenam, featuring a double porticoed gallery encircling a central garden. This well-preserved site allows visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Roman theater and culture.