Plovdiv Roman amphitheatre
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Although commonly referred to as an amphitheatre, it is more correctly called a theatre.
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[edit] Plovdiv Roman Amphitheatre
Deep in the heart of Plovdiv city centre lies the Plovdiv amphitheatre. The amphitheatre stands between the south-western slope of the Dzhambaz Tepe and the Taxim tepe hill within the old town, and is a major tourist attraction for travellers coming to the area.
The amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century AD under the orders of Trajan the Roman Emperor at this time, and is the largest surviving Roman construction in Bulgaria today.
Built with around 7,000 seats, each section of seating had the names of the city quarters engraved on the benches so the citizens at the time knew where they were to sit.
The theatre was damaged in the 5th century AD by Atilla the Hun.
[edit] Excavation
The amphitheatre was only found in the early 1970s due to a landslide, this caused a major archeological excavation, including the removal of 15 feet of earth covering what was left hidden by the landslide.
[edit] Present Day
Visitors are able to enjoy the grand splendour of the amphitheatre during the summer months when theatrical plays and musical shows are held for a small fee.
