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Roman Theatre Verulamium EAW011295
VERULAMIUM, St Albans, Hertfordshire. This Roman Theatre is unique in Britain - the only known example of a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre. Started in about 140AD it was gradually extended until by about 300 AD/CE it could seat 2000 spectators. Associated with a temple, the arena would primarily have been used for religious processions and dancing, as well as staging plays, wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. By the 4th century the theatre went out of use and filled up with rubbish (which makes excellent material for archaeologists!). Although much of the masonry was robbed out in later centuries, the remaining ruins and earth banks (discovered in 1847 and fully excavated between 1930 and 1935) still give a good impression of how it may have looked. Aerofilms Collection (see Links). Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 1505691
Filename: afl03_aerofilms_a11295.jpg
Size: 4581 x 4118 (9.2MB)
Date: 28th April 2009
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive Aerofilms C
Source: English Heritage Images
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> Archaeology > Roman Britain > Roman cities and towns
> More features > Romantic Ruins
> Historic Images > Aerofilms Collection (1919-2006)
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Roman Theatre Verulamium, located in St Albans, Hertfordshire. What sets this theatre apart from others in Britain is its unique design featuring a stage rather than an amphitheatre. Its construction began around 140 AD and was gradually expanded over time until it could accommodate up to 2000 spectators by approximately 300 AD/CE. The theatre was closely associated with a temple and served various purposes. It was primarily used for religious processions and dancing, but also hosted plays, wrestling matches, armed combat demonstrations, and even wild beast shows. As the centuries passed, however, the theatre fell into disuse and eventually became filled with rubbish – much to the delight of archaeologists who found valuable historical remnants within its depths. Although parts of the masonry were pilfered in later years, significant ruins and earth banks remained intact when they were discovered in 1847. The site underwent thorough excavation between 1930 and 1935, providing researchers with invaluable insights into its original appearance. This aerial photograph from the Aerofilms Collection offers a mesmerizing view of this ancient architectural marvel. It allows us to envision how this grand structure may have looked during its heyday while highlighting its historical significance as one of Britain's only known theatres with a stage configuration rather than an amphitheatre layout.
