4The Theatre of Pompeii, Italy
The Theatre of Pompeii, dating back to around 80 BCE, is one of the oldest surviving Roman theatres. It was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, which preserved much of the city under volcanic ash, including this impressive structure. Built into a natural slope, the theatre could hold around 5,000 spectators.
The Theatre of Pompeii was used for performances and public events, and its semicircular design became the blueprint for future Roman theatres. Walking through the ancient ruins of Pompeii, visitors can still feel the echoes of Roman civilization, with the theatre standing as a vivid reminder of the entertainment culture that flourished in this doomed city.
