Assos Theatre

Assos was part of the ancient region of Troas. The theatre was situated south of the agora, its auditorium facing the southern shore of Assos towards the island of Lesbos. The symmetrical theatre was constructed according to the Hellenistic style and was originally built in the 3rd Century BC. It underwent renovation in the Roman era. The orchestra was horseshoe-shaped. During excavation the theatre was found to be poorly preserved. The theatre had two diazomas separating the rows of seats into lower and upper tiers, and could accommodate 5000 spectators. It had a proscenium, a skena building, two parodoi side entrances, two entrances leading behind the theatre and vaulted side entrances in the paradoi walls. The small stage building was enlarged during the course of time, the foundations of the first level are still visible on site; the stage was a two-floor construction. It was divided into three rooms which were connected with doors. The facade of the building was comprised of three doors; the middle door was the higher and wider than the side doors. The theatre was extensively restored in recent times.