The Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Odeum, also known as the Roman Amphitheater in Kom El-Dikka, Alexandria, is a remarkable historical site. Here’s a detailed overview:

Location

• Proximity to Central Train Station: About 1 kilometer from downtown, close to the train station.
• Setting: Surrounded by modern Alexandria, with an ancient city lying below the contemporary street level.

Excavation

• Excavation Team: Polish archaeologists who have continuously worked on the site, expanding the excavation area.
• Presentation: Detailed signposts are placed around the site for an informative visit.

Features

• Main Amphitheater: Impressive with original seating and an intact white floor. Visitors can’t climb the seats but can view from above.
• Small Lecture Halls: Indicates the existence of a large educational or university-like complex, capable of hosting 600-700 students.
• Bath Complex: Includes steam rooms and fitness rooms, resembling a modern gym with social and leisure facilities.
• Villa of the Birds: Houses intricate mosaics of birds, showcasing remarkable preservation.

Significance

• Academic Importance: Suggests a significant educational center in ancient Alexandria.
• Preservation: Excellent preservation of mosaics and structures, providing insights into Roman-era city life.

Visitor Experience

• Atmosphere: A tranquil escape from modern city life, with beautiful plantings and a peaceful ambiance.
• Additional Exhibits: Displays fragments from the Pharaonic town of Alexandria, highlighting the city’s ancient history.

Accessibility

• Entry: Accessible to visitors, with a focus on preserving the integrity of the site.
• Guided Tours: Available for a more informed and structured exploration.

The Roman Amphitheater of Alexandria is a hidden gem that offers a window into the rich tapestry of Roman architectural mastery in Egypt. Nestled in the heart of the city, in the area known as Kom El-Dekka—which intriguingly translates to “the hill of rubble” or “the hill of benches”—this site is a testament to Alexandria’s storied past. Unlike the grand coliseums often associated with Roman architecture, this amphitheater is a more intimate venue, featuring a small yet exquisite Roman theater designed with precision and elegance.

Discovered quite by accident in 1960 amidst the hustle of urban development, the theater’s excavation brought to light not just the structure itself but a sprawling narrative spanning the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. Its construction dates back to the 4th century AD, and despite its modest dimensions, it’s a structure that resonates with the grandeur of ancient Roman aesthetics. The theater boasts thirteen terraces, adhering to the traditional Greek style, with seats intricately carved from white or gray marble—save for the distinguished first row, crafted in rich red granite. Remarkably, the remnants of Roman numerals etched onto the rows hint at an ancient system of seat allocation, allowing us to glimpse into the organizational prowess of the time.

The amphitheater could comfortably welcome 700 to 800 spectators, drawing them in for a variety of performances and gatherings. Initially conceived as an odeum for musical spectacles, its role evolved through the ages, serving as a vibrant center for discussions and assemblies in the Byzantine period before its abandonment and eventual rediscovery.

The excavation of the Roman Amphitheater also unearthed a treasure trove of Roman-era constructions nearby, including baths, lecture halls, and a quaint village. The highlight among these is the Villa of the Birds, a large residence adorned with exquisite mosaics, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives and luxuries of Roman Alexandria. Together, these findings underline Alexandria’s significance as a hub of learning and culture, showcasing the seamless blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences that characterizes the city’s history.

Visiting the Roman Amphitheater in Alexandria isn’t just a journey to an ancient site; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Roman elegance and architectural brilliance. This venue, unique in Egypt for its small scale yet immense historical value, represents an unmissable chapter in the story of Alexandria, inviting explorers and history enthusiasts alike to step back in time and marvel at the confluence of civilizations that shaped this iconic city.