Australian Archaeologists Uncover Cyprus Theatre From 300 BC

The theatres of ancient times were outdoor arenas, typically with thousands of seats in escalating rows surrounding a stage. One such theatre has recently been uncovered by an Australian archaeological team in Cyprus, dating back to 300 BC, when the island nation was part of the Roman Empire.

An AFP report quotes a statement from the country's Department of Antiquities: "The Australian team has uncovered the oldest theatre in Cyprus: a structure that was used as a venue for performance and spectacle for over six-and-a-half centuries from c. 300 BC until its final destruction in the earthquakes of AD 365."

The archeological team has been excavating the site for two decades, revealing a paved road 28 feet wide leading to the theatre.

Columns made from granite from quarries in Turkey reflect Roman trade in the building of such structures.

The ancient theatre was recorded for the first time using pole photography and photogrammetric programs which stitched together over 2,000 individual high resolution photos.

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