1st Ancient Theatre of LarisaThe most imposing monument of Larissa, the 1st Ancient Theatre, with a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators, was built in the first half of the 3rd century BC, during the reign of the King of Macedonia Antigonus Gonatas.
Its construction is directly linked to the worship of the god Dionysus. It operated for about six centuries, until the end of the 3rd or the beginning of the 4th century AD. An earthquake in the early 3rd century AD destroyed the second floor of the stage with its Doric superstructure as well as part of the epitheatre. A second, very strong earthquake of the 7th century caused further destruction of the monument. In the middle Byzantine period the space was used as a cemetery.The theater, beyond the staging of theatrical and musical performances, hosted the meetings of the church of the Larissa municipality, which in ancient Larissa was called "Agora". In addition, the representatives, delegates, of the Thessalian cities participating in the Common of the Thessalians, a federation based in Larissa, also met in it. In the 1st century BC the theater was transformed by the Romans into an arena for the performance of official festive events, gladiatorial contests, beast fights and mime performances. It was always the center of the political and social life of the ancient Larissaeans. This is evidenced by a wealth of findings, mainly inscriptions and sculptures, that the excavation has yielded to us.At this time, maintenance and restoration work is in progress at the 1st Ancient Theater on its scenery building with the placement of new architectural members and the completion of broken ancient members with new material.Related TagsLARISSA – The City of Pleasant Surprises,OLYMPUS - Thessaly’s Calm Power,
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