Theater in Heraclea Lyncestis

The Theatre is the most monumental structure on Heraclea Lyncestis archaeological site. it is located on the slopes of the hill in the immediate vicinity of the city center. It was built following Vitruvian standards for Roman theatre construction. Construction started the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian and continued under the Emperor Antoninus Pius. The theater was intended for musical and dramatic performances, but later it was adapted for gladiatorial combats. In the course of the 4th century the theater, along with other similar arenas in the Empire, was abandoned due to the ban on the shedding of human blood in public places issued during the reign of the Emperor Constantine the Great (AD 325/6) and again under Theodosius I (edict from 386).