Roman Theatre of Timgad

Illustration

Carole Raddato
by
published on 21 December 2022
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The Roman theatre of Thamugadi (modern-day Timgad in Algeria) was cut into the side of a small hill south of the forum. It was designed to hold up to 4,000 spectators. A dedication dates the building to the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus (161-169 CE). It was completed in 168 CE and was quarried by Justinian's soldiers when they built the nearby fortress in 539 CE.

Timgad lies on the northern slopes of the Aurès Mountains in present-day Algeria. Emperor Trajan founded the city as a military colony in 100 CE. With its square enclosure, orthogonal design, and two main roads, the cardo and the decumanus crossing at right angles through the city, Timgad is model town planning based on a grid system.

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About the Author

Carole Raddato
Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian.

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APA Style

Raddato, C. (2022, December 21). Roman Theatre of Timgad. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16832/roman-theatre-of-timgad/

Chicago Style

Raddato, Carole. "Roman Theatre of Timgad." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified December 21, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16832/roman-theatre-of-timgad/.

MLA Style

Raddato, Carole. "Roman Theatre of Timgad." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 21 Dec 2022. Web. 29 Oct 2024.

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