# Roman Theatre (Cartagena)

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena is a Roman theatre in the Roman colonia of Cartago Nova—present-day Cartagena, Spain. Built between the years 5 and 1 BCE, it had a capacity of some 6,000 spectators and was used for Roman theatrical performances during ancient Rome.

## History

The theatre was built between 5 and 1 BCE, as has been proven by the dedication of the edifice to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons of Augustus, who had designated them as his successors.
In the 3rd century a market was built over the theatre, reusing its materials, with a semicircular open space which followed the plan of the orchestra. The market was perhaps abandoned after a fire caused by the Vandals in 425. A market quarter of the Byzantines was established on the site in the 6th century.
During the 13th century the Old Cathedral of the city was built over the upper cavea. In 1988 the first remains of the theatre were discovered during the construction of the Centro regional de artesanía. The archaeological excavations and the restorations were completed in 2003. In 2008, in a museum, designed by Rafael Moneo, was opened.

## Description

The cavea was carved directly on the rocks in its central part, and tops a series of vaulted galleries. It had a capacity of some 6,000 spectators. It was divided horizontally in three parts (ima, media and summa cavea), in turn divided into radial sectors by the staircases (five in the upper part, seven in the medium and upper ones).
The public entered from two side passages (aditus), where the dedications have been found. The orchestra had a semicircular plan and housed three rows of wooden seats for the authorities (proedria). The stage (proscenium) had a length of 43.60 m. The scaenae frons had three semicircular exedras and decorated by two orders of columns, with bases and capitals in Luni's marble, and shaft in pink travertine of Mula. The stage edifice had a total height of 14.60 m. It have been found three round altars dedicated to the Capituline Triad and to the divinities of Apollo (Graces, Muses and Horae), as well as a statue of Apollo with lyre and one of Rhea Silvia.
Behind the stage building was a portico (porticus post scaenam) with a double porticoed gallery revolving around a central room housing a garden.

## Gallery

* Roman theater of Cartagena dating from the 1st century B.C.E. Detail of the scene (scaenae frons) with the inscription of the dedication to Lucius Caesar on the side passage, after restoration.
* View of the Roman theater of Cartagena & the ruins of the Cathedral
* Panoramic view of the Roman Theater of Cartagena
* View over Roman Theater with City Backdrop
* View of the Roman theatre in Cartagena in Spain
* Panoramic of the Roman theater of Carthago Nova, in Cartagena
* View of the remains of the Byzantine-era constructions of the Roman Theater of Carthago Nova in Cartagena
* View of the Roman Theatre (back)
* View of the Roman Theatre (front)
* Ruin of a Cathedral above the theater
* Detail of the stage
* Dedicatory inscriptions to Gaius and Lucius Caesar
* Model reconstruction
* A Roman mosaic
* Since 1975, the municipal nativity scene in Cartagena (Spain) is set up for the Christmas holidays in a tent in Plaza de San Francisco, until 2019 under the supervision of the maestro belenista Francisco Alarte. It is a tradition that anachronisms are included in the reproduction of the New Testament Bethlehem, such as iconic buildings of Cartagena. The photograph shows the nativity of Jesus, with the Ancient Roman theatre and the Cathedral of Cartagena as the background.
* Ambassador James Costos visited the Autonomous Community of Murcia for three days to make contact with its institutions, its companies and its military authorities

### At the Cartagena Archaeological Museum [es]

* Altar of Jupiter found in the Roman theater of Cartagena
* Corinthian capital of the Roman theater of Cartagena
* Sculpture of Apollo presented at the Roman theater of Cartagena
* Carved bas-relief of Rea Silvia from the Roman theater of Cartagena