For many centuries, Sicily was part of the wider Greek world and this can be seen in the many spectacular monuments and ruins on the island. One of them is the Greek theater in Syracuse. Syracuse was founded by the Dorian Greeks in the 8th century BC and became one of the leading powers in Magna Graecia. The beautiful structure has inspired poets and artists for millennia. Its importance has been recognized by UNESCO, which has awarded it World Heritage status. It is still in use, almost 3000 years after it was the site of some of the earliest plays.
The melodic history of the theater
It is believed that a theater was built at this site in the 6th century BC. Many of the great Greek playwrights performed their work there, including comic writers and Aeschylus (525 BC – 456 BC), one of the greatest tragedians of all time. A famous playwright and patron of the arts, Dionysius I of Syracuse, who also happened to be a tyrant and ruled the city with an iron fist, performed several of his tragedies at the theater.
Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse (Public Domain)
This monument is not only a cultural center but it also plays an important role in the political life of the city-state as citizens’ assemblies are also held in the theater.
During the First Punic War, the Romans conquered the city and it became part of their empire until the 5th century AD. Despite this, the city retains its quintessential Greek character and Greek is the language of the people. Theater continued to flourish under the Roman emperors, especially when Augusta founded a new colony at Syracuse.
Based on archaeological excavations, it appears that the Romans altered the site so that gladiatorial games and mock naval battles could take place. It was only in the 4th century AD that the site began to decline partly because the theater was considered sinful by Christians.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theater was abandoned after nearly a millennium of use. The majority of the marble and stone monuments were removed and used in other buildings built over the centuries. Some of its blocks were used to build fortresses during the period when Sicily was ruled by Spain (1500-1700). This site has been thoroughly studied by archaeologists since the 19th century.
Theater scene in Syracuse
The monument sits on the southern slopes of the Temenite Hills and overlooks the modern city of Syracuse, offering a breathtaking view of southern Sicily and the Mediterranean.
The scale of the vast seating at the Greek Theater ( bepsphoto / Adobe Stock)
Most of the remaining structure dates from the Hellenistic period and some traces of the original theater can still be seen. The structure was built in a semicircle with floors for people to sit and watch entertainment. The cavea, or seating arrangement, is nearly 200 feet wide, enclosing an open circular area known as the orchestra and is one of the largest ever found in the Greek world. Graffiti dating from ancient times, engraved on the seats and walls of the theater, can still be seen. The space is famous for its acoustics.
The theater was redeveloped by the Romans and new features such as columns were added. Sadly, the stage and landscape building where plays and entertainment were held collapsed and now only traces remain.
Temenite Hills’ Grotta del Ninfeo artificial cave ( vvoe / Adobe Stock)
The stairs lead to a small platform above the theater, where a famous temple to the Muses, known as the Grotta del Ninfeo, is found. The water poured into an open pool and here the actors’ guild would gather and plead with the Muses to ensure that their performance was a success.
How to see the Greek Theater, Syracuse, Sicily?
The site can be accessed privately or as part of a group. There is access to the area by public transport. An entrance fee is required to enter the historical site. Every year a drama festival was organized for her. Classical Greek plays are performed here in the summer, at sunset.
The theater is located near the world-famous Pantalica Necropolis, ancient burial chambers dug into a limestone canyon, and well worth a visit
