Located in the heart of
Alexandria, Kom el-Dikka is an extensive Roman theatrical and
residential complex. It includes the only known Roman amphitheater in
Egypt, an impressively well-preserved structure composed of thirteen
terraces. This was constructed
in the traditional Greek style , with a
flat stage in the center on the lowest level, and raised rows that
ascend in steps surrounding three-quarters of the stage. The bench-style
seats are all carved out of white or gray marble except for the first
row, which is of red granite.
Visitors can see, if they look very
closely, the remnants of Roman numerals chiseled into each row. The
oldest part of the theater consisted of approximately sixteen or
seventeen rows of seats, allowing for an audience of 700 to 800 people.
It was eventually expanded to
include exclusive boxes on the highest
level for the upper echelons of society.
Current excavations at the edge
of the site have uncovered Roman baths, lecture halls, and a small
village, the centerpiece of which is the Villa of the Birds, a large
house filled with beautiful mosaics. At the site is a small outdoor
exhibition of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman era objects that have been found
beneath the waters of the nearby harbor.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Open daily, 8 AM “ 5 PM
Ramadan: 9 AM “ 4 PM
Open daily, 8 AM “ 5 PM
Ramadan: 9 AM “ 4 PM
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