Restoration of Laodicea’s 2200-year-old Theatre Completed

The 2,200-year-old theater of the ancient city of Laodicea, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in Denizli, has been revitalized through a comprehensive restoration project. Built in the 2nd century BC and actively used during the Roman period, the 15,000-seat theater had suffered damage over the centuries due to earthquakes. The restoration work, led by Prof. Dr. Celal Şimşek, head of the Archaeology Department at Pamukkale University, was successfully completed after starting in 2019.

The project, supported by the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality and the Aegean Development Agency, meticulously restored the theater’s seating steps and stage building. Prof. Dr. Şimşek stated that the restoration was carried out in accordance with international standards and that the theater has been returned to 90% of its original state.

This significant structure of the ancient city of Laodicea is not only an architectural masterpiece but also served as a center for public cultural events in ancient times. Prof. Dr. Şimşek expressed that they learned from the inscriptions found that the theater was a “state theater” and that free events were organized for the public.

As part of the “Heritage for the Future” project, ongoing restoration efforts focus on the vaulted section of the theater’s stage building and the restoration of the first floor with 16 columns. Through these meticulous efforts, the historical fabric of the ancient city of Laodicea is being preserved and passed on to future generations.

Cover Photo: DHA