The Roman Theatre at St Albans, Hertfordshire, England is an excavated site within the Roman walled city of Verulamium. Although there are other Roman theatres in Britain (for example at Camulodunum), the one at Verulamium is claimed to be the only example of its kind, being a theatre with a stage rather than an amphitheatre.[1][2]
The theatre differs from the typical Roman theatre in being built on a site that is only slightly sloping (where possible Roman theatres took advantage of the natural terrain), and in its plan (although there are theatres with similar plans in Northern Gaul). The theatre was built in about 140AD. Urban life continued in Verulamium into the 5th century. However, by that time the theatre had fallen into disuse. It was used as a rubbish dump in the 4th century.
Excavation
editIt was excavated in the 19th century,[3] and again in the 1930s by Kathleen Kenyon.
Access and use
editThe theatre is on land belonging to the Earl of Verulam and is regularly opened to the public.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "The Roman Theatre". www.gorhamburyestate.co.uk. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
- ^ Becker, J. "Places: 113035707 (Verulamium Roman theater)". Pleiades. Retrieved 15 November 2024.
- ^ "Remains of the Roman theatre at St Albans, Hertfordshire (excavated 1847)". victorianweb.org. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
- ^ Davies, Alan (12 July 2017). "Ancient Greek play..." Herts Advertiser. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "About the Theatre". OVO - Theatre | Bold Imaginative Surprising. Retrieved 13 March 2023.