Ephesus - The Aegean Coast - Cities and Towns in Turkey - Turkey - Home
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The Theatre |
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| The theatre,
which is located immediately to the south of the
gymnasium, was built by
the Emperor Nero (54-68 A.D.). The whole measures 228 x 38 meters, with
the tiers of seats resting against the slope of Mt Panayir and the
northern section of the cavea supported by vaults. The finds include a
number of column capitals and roughly carved marble slabs. The building
was later used as a quarry for building materials for use in the
construction of the Byzantine castle, with the result that very little
now remains. The theatre was well used during its time for plays, athletic displays, gladiatorial combats and much more. Marble reliefs depicting gladiators were displayed along the Marble Way. In the hilly terrain opposite the theatre a number of buildings of uncertain date have been unearthed. These include a fish market, a Byzantine fountain and a funeral chamber thought to be that of Androcles, the legendary founder of the city. The Marble Way (Via tecta) connecting the Artemision to the centre of the city, passed by here. |
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The theatre is still in use today. In fact, the camel wrestling competitions have gradually become a traditional feature. Every year, in spring, visitors come from all over the country for the festivities taking place during the annual fair. It is also used for an occasional play or concert. In fact, enough money was earned by one concert to allow the site to purchase their own crane that is currently being used to continue the removal of debris from the archeological site and to move heave pieces of marble and other items that are uncovered. The theatre was gouged out of the hillside at the end of the Marble Way. It is by far the largest feature at the site and it can be seen from several miles away. It was originally built between 332-63 B.C. and enlarged under Claudius (41-54 A.D., about the time Paul was in the city), and again by Nero (54-68 AD). It had seating for 24,500 spectators divided into three tiers of 22 rows each. It is known that Paul preached to the citizens of Ephesus in the theatre, and this was the scene of the riot written about in Acts 19. The photo at the left shows the front of the theatre. There would probably have been staging rooms, storage rooms and office areas located in this portion of the structure. |
 This is the performance area of the theatre. Once, when leading a tour here, one of the participants of the tour who had a lot of voice training, stood in the center "stage" and performed for us all. We were scattered throughout the theatre and she could be heard very well by everyone. |
 The reason the acoustics are so good is because of where it was built. Constructed into the side of the hill, the sounds were able to bounce off of the hillside and back into the theatre. Also, as it was upwind of the sea, the constant sea breezes helped the sound to carry to the furtherest seats of the theatre. |
 This photo shows the supports for the raised portion of the stage that was located above the semicircular performance area that was located right in front of it. |
 This photo shows the relationship of the theatre to the gymnasium. The remains of the gymnasium lies in the foreground. |
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Some of the best photos of the theatre can be taken through the pine trees as you leave the archeological area. |
CLICK HERE for
additional photos of Ephesus
and
HERE for photos of some of the intricate
detail work to be found in Ephesus.
| It is best to visit Ephesus with a good
guide - especially if it is your first visit. Although there are many licensed,
official tour guides, I believe that Can (John) Yigit is one of the best. One of
the main reasons is, not only does he love this place, but he worked here beside
the archeologists when he was in college. And, is very personable. His English
is excellent and he makes the place come alive with his narrative. Contact
information is as follows: Can Yigit Gsm +90 532. 426 63 35 Tel +90 256. 612 83 30 email: guidecan68@yahoo.com P.O. Box 152 09400 Kusadasi / Aydin / Turkey Here
are a couple of comments about John. |
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