The Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most prominent Greco-Roman structures in Egypt, and it was built in the first century AD. The Amphitheatre, along with the Citadel of Qaitbay, is one of the most popular tourist sites in Alexandria. To take advantage of this, this visit is included in almost all programs and packages in Egypt that include excursions to the Mediterranean coast.

Geographical Location is defined as follows:

Located in Alexandria’s western portion of the city, in a neighborhood known as Kom El Dikka, or “pile of debris,” the Amphitheatre was built in the late 18th century. A massive pile of sand and debris, according to Alexandrian historian El Newery, was given this name when he visited this portion of the city in the mid-19th century and characterized it as such.
Tourists may get to the Amphitheatre by taking a cab or even a public bus from their hotel. However, it is highly advised that all travelers (particularly those who are traveling through the nation for the first time) book their trips via one of the most reputable tour companies in the country.

History of The Roman Amphitheatre

A fortuitous discovery of the Amphitheatre occurred in 1960 when the Egyptian government decided to clean up Kom El Dikka to construct a new edifice in its stead.

As part of the first foundation work, one or more of the machinery came into contact with a solid region that was located in the eastern and southern sections of the landscape. Because of this, the engineers thought that there must be some kind of structure or ruin underneath it.

Later, a delegation of Polish archaeologists from the Mediterranean Centre of Antiquities, together with experts from the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, started excavations at the site, which continued for many months.

Incredibly, the results were spectacular: the Roman amphitheater was discovered, and through its study, new information about the Greco-Roman period was gained about the period.

Built in the 4th century AD and utilized until the 7th century AD, the Amphitheatre was a popular venue for performances. Due to the examination of the materials used in its construction, as well as the comparison of architectural styles, and the design of the amphitheater and other structures from the same era, it is possible to get this information.

According to scientific studies, this monument saw three separate eras: the Roman, the Coptic, and the Islamic, and it was utilized differently in each of them.

Description

The Roman Amphitheatre is fashioned like a letter “U” or a horseshoe, depending on your perspective. Comparisons with other comparable structures in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia have led some to assume that the Amphitheatre of Alexandria was never meant to be used as a theatre.

Historically, theatres in the Greco-Roman era were fashioned like the letter “C” or an incomplete circle, allowing the audience to sit in the corners and see the acts. Furthermore, the size of the Alexandria amphitheater is insignificant when compared to the number of people living in the city at the time.

Each row of numbered marble seats in the amphitheatre has a different number of rows. The initial steps were constructed of pink granite stone, which served as a firm foundation for the rest of the stairs. A substantial limestone wall provides support for them. The structure was finished by a second parallel wall. These two walls were connected by arches and domes, and in the space between them was a tunnel that was utilized by the people who worked there.

There were five sleeping chambers at the end of each of the rows of seats. Only two of them have survived to the present day. The roofs of these compartments used to be covered with domes that were supported by columns and were constructed to shield the audience from the sun and rain. In addition, to ensure that sound is appropriately conveyed to the various sectors of the room. It was unfortunate that the domes and columns of the temple were destroyed by an earthquake that struck Alexandria in the sixth century AD.

It was positioned in the center of the stands and was guarded by two huge marble columns. The orchestra was divided into three sections. Some of it still has its gorgeous mosaic floor, which is still in place.

At one point during the Roman era, there were two entrances to the amphitheater: one on the southern side and another on the northern side of the structure. During the Byzantine time, however, these two doors were barred from being used. Two large rooms were utilized as reception areas or waiting rooms at both entrances.

In addition to the amphitheatre, the site features several other Roman-era structures, such as ornate stone sculptures and capitals, among other things, that are worth seeing.
In addition, there is the Roman House, also known as the House of the Birds, which was recently found and is distinguished by its spectacular mosaics, which are shaped like birds and other designs, and which can be viewed in the vicinity.

Today, this amphitheatre tour can be included in our Alexandria tour packages, and it is one of the most popular historical monuments in the city, drawing in thousands of visitors each year.