Roman Theatre, Cartagena (must see)

The Roman Theater is a remarkable archaeological site that carries a rich history dating back to the first century BC. It was constructed between 5 and 1 BC, dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, the grandsons of Emperor Augustus, who intended them to be his successors.

Throughout the centuries, the theater witnessed various transformations. In the 3rd century, a market was erected above it, cleverly reusing its materials and maintaining a semi-circular layout reminiscent of the theater's orchestra. It wasn't until 1988 that the first remains of the theater were rediscovered during the construction of the Regional Crafts Center.

The Roman Theater was ingeniously carved into the rocks, particularly in its central section, where it presides over a series of vaulted galleries. This magnificent structure could accommodate around 6,000 spectators and was divided horizontally into three parts: the lower, the middle, and the upper seating tiers. Radial sectors were created by a network of staircases, with five in the upper section, seven in the medium and upper tiers.

Two side passages served as entry points for the audience, revealing inscriptions dedicated to the theater's benefactors. The orchestra boasted a semicircular design and featured three rows of wooden seats for dignitaries. The scaenae frons, the stage backdrop, was adorned with three semicircular recessed niches and adorned with two orders of columns.

The stage edifice reached a towering height of more than 14 meters and featured notable elements, including three round altars dedicated to the Capitoline Triad and Apollo's associated divinities, such as the Graces, Muses, and Horae. Statues of Apollo playing the lyre and Rhea Silvia were also found nearby. Situated behind the stage building was a portico, featuring a double gallery encircling a central garden.