The theatre at Ostia Antica

One of the places that I enjoyed the most during our journey through the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica was the Roman Theatre. The semi-circular stadium was erected in 12 B.C by Decumanus Maximus. 3000 people pack into the theater to watch performances such as ballets, concerts and classical dramas. Acts are still held there at night and tickets are available at the entrance of the open-air museum.

The brick theater has been restored multiple times and the excavation was completed in the early 20^th century. After Commodus was killed the building was inaugurated by Septimius Severus. Preserved stuccos are shown on the ceilings of the entrance corridor. The most well-known people were seated closet to the stage.

The theatre was open to the public and provided daily performances. While I was sitting on the brick steps of the stadium ballet dancers rehersed their routines below and were probably sceduled to perform in a recital later that night.