Roman theatre of Dougga


The Roman theatre of Dougga is an ancient theatre located in Teboursouk in the north-west of Tunisia.

History

Like all the other Roman cities of North Africa from the reign of Augustus, Dougga had its own theatre. According to historians, the monument was built between 168 and 169. It is located in the eastern part of the archeological site Dougga, and can host over 3,500 spectators.
The theatre was classified as a monument on 8 June 1891. It is one of the best-preserved theatres of Roman Africa.
In modern times, it is the site of the annual International festival of Dougga.

Architecture

A dedication engraved into the pediment of the stage and on the portico the dominates the city, recalls the building's commissioner, P. Marcius Quadratus, who "built for his homeland with his own denarii"; the dedication was celebrated with "scenic representations, distributions of life, a festival, and athletic games".