By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Originally built in the 2nd century BCE, it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd century CE and subsequently rebuilt.

The ancient theater of Laodicea, located in Denizli, Turkey, was revived through restoration efforts that began in 2019. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, the theater had been reduced to ruins over time due to a series of devastating earthquakes. After meticulous work, the theater was revived, standing as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Professor Dr. Celal Şimşek, chairman of the Department of Archaeology at Pamukkale University and head of the Laodicea Excavation Team, spearheaded the restoration project. "The restoration works are important, as we approach 90% of the original theater, according to international criteria in world history," said Şimşek, according to Hürriyet. 

The ancient theater, once capable of seating 15,000 spectators, was an important venue for artistic and cultural events during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is notable as the first theater of the Hellenistic Period in the city. The restoration efforts revitalized this landmark, allowing it to reclaim its place in the cultural landscape.

Laodicea holds an important place in history. Founded on the site of an earlier city by Antiochus II, king of the Seleucid Empire, between 261 and 253 BCE, it was named in honor of his wife Laodice. The ancient city is also home to one of the seven churches mentioned in the Bible, adding to its historical and cultural importance.

The theater, known as the Western Theater, has a storied past marked by destruction and renewal. Originally built in the 2nd century BCE, it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd century CE and subsequently rebuilt. "In 368 CE, it was destroyed again by an earthquake that occurred in Western Anatolia and rebuilt," explained Şimşek, according to Enikos.

After the spread of Christianity in the 5th century CE, the theater fell into decline and ceased to be used. It suffered further damage from another destructive earthquake. "From the earthquake of 494 CE, the theater suffered another destructive damage," noted Şimşek, according to Enikos.

Despite these challenges, the recent restoration efforts were successful. "Within two years, we restored the tiers of the theater, with a diameter of 96 meters," explained Şimşek. 

Inscriptions discovered at the site shed light on the theater's historical significance. "From the inscriptions we found here, we learned that the West Theater is not only an early period theater but also a state theater," said Şimşek, according to Hürriyet. "In many inscriptions here, it is stated that it was a public theater and that many free events were held for the public," he added.