PHOTO: Ancient Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This ancient Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is still being used for present-day concerts and plays

The ancient Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv is one of the most stunning sites in Bulgaria. Records show evidence of occupation in Plovdiv as far back as 6,000 BC, during the Neolithic Age, making it one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. In the Bronze Age it became a Thracian settlement named Eumolpias, and in 342 BC it was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, who renamed it Philippopolis in his own honor. The amphitheater was constructed during the late first century AD by the Romans, who conquered the city in 72 BC. In ancient times the theater could hold up to 7,000 spectators, who likely attended exhibitions of gladiators fighting savage animals. Over time, as the city suffered numerous occupations, the theater was abandoned and was eventually buried under sediment.

The Amphitheater in Plovdiv was rediscovered in the 1970’s following a landslide that revealed a portion of the ruins. Remarkably, it is once again being used for concerts and plays. After excavations were completed, a modern stage and audio-visual system were installed and enough of the original marble seating remained to accommodate up to 3,500 spectators. Today it is considered to be one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world. The site, which is located in the center of the Old Town of Plovdiv, is also open to visitors who are welcome to roam the horseshoe-shaped seating, orchestra, stage, and backstage areas.

Interested in learning more about the most stunning sites of Bulgaria? You may be interested in my story about Rila Monastery.

4 thoughts on “PHOTO: Ancient Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv, Bulgaria”

  1. DITTO, BARBARA. LOVE YOUR WRITINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS. I HAD NO IDEA RE. 6,000BC YEARS OF HISTORY.
    I KNOW YOU VISITED CHIANG MAI, THAILAND. WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE PLACE YOU STAYED? I’VE BEEN TO
    CHIANG MAI A COUPLE TIMES. MAY MAKE ONE MORE TRIP. BANGKOK IS SO CROWED. TOO STRESSFUL FOR ME.

    THANKS, STORMY

    Reply
    • Thanks so much Stormy. Over the past few years I’ve been staying at Smith Residence. It’s mostly expats and seasonal people, but you can stay there short term as well. It’s just south of the moat at Chiang Mai Gate, so well located. It’s reasonably priced, though not the least expensive option.

      Reply
  2. Hi Barbara,
    You are doing an amazing work. Thank you!!!
    That was absolutely awesome ! I was also in Plovdiv July 20-22 there after going to the Rila Monastery and climbed the Rila mountains and saw 5 out of the 7 lakes.
    Love your writings and photos!

    Reply

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