Roman theatre of Dougga

Roman theatre of Dougga

The Roman theatre of Dougga is an ancient theatre (still in use) located in Teboursouk in the north-west of Tunisia.

History

Like all the other Roman cities of North Africa from the reign of Augustus, Dougga had its own theatre. According to historians, the monument was built between 168 and 169. It is located in the eastern part of the archeological site Dougga,[1] and can host over 3,500 spectators.[2]

The theatre was classified as a monument on 8 June 1891.[3] It is one of the best-preserved theatres of Roman Africa.

In modern times, it is the site of the annual International festival of Dougga.

Architecture

A dedication engraved into the pediment of the stage and on the portico the dominates the city, recalls the building's commissioner, P. Marcius Quadratus, who "built [it] for his homeland with his own denarii"; the dedication was celebrated with "scenic representations, distributions of life, a festival, and athletic games".

  • The theatre in 2016
    The theatre in 2016
  • Old photo of the theatre before restoration work
    Old photo of the theatre before restoration work
  • Current situation
    Current situation
  • A concert in the theatre during the International festival of Dougga
    A concert in the theatre during the International festival of Dougga

See also

References

  1. ^ Carton, Louis (1904). ""The roman theater of Dougga": Memories presented by several scholars of the academy. Vol. 11, no 2". Mémoires Présentés Par Divers Savants Étrangers À l'Académie. 11 (2): 79–191. doi:10.3406/mesav.1904.1087. hdl:2027/hvd.32044058303785.
  2. ^ Gros, Pierre (1996). The roman architecture from the beginning of the third century BC to the end of the great empire: Public monuments. Paris: Picard. pp. 293–294. ISBN 2708405004.
  3. ^ "DocArtis". www.docartis.com. Retrieved 2020-04-10.