Turkish archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary find at the ancient Greek city of Alexandria Troas ("Alexandria of the Troad"; Greek: Αλεξάνδρεια Τρωάς; Turkish: Eski Stambul) in Çanakkale, a seaport on the southern shore of the Dardanelles along the Aegean Sea.
According to Strabo, the site was initially known as Sigeia (Σιγία). Around 306 BC, Antigonus refounded the city, expanding it significantly and renaming it Antigonia Troas after settling people from five other towns in Sigeia, including the prominent city of Neandreia. It wasn't until 301 BC that Lysimachus changed its name to Alexandria Troas.
They have discovered the ruins of a theatre believed to be around 2,400 years old. While much of the structure remains buried and awaits excavation, the initial findings have excited the archaeological community.
This impressive theatre is estimated to have seated between 10,000 and 12,000 spectators, contributing to the wealth of archaeological treasures in Çanakkale, also home to the legendary site of Troy.
The Legacy of Troy
The ancient city of Troy, located near Çanakkale, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, largely due to its association with Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. According to legend, Troy was the site of the Trojan War, a conflict between the Greeks and Trojans sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus, by Paris, a Trojan prince. The war is characterized by iconic events such as the city's Greek siege and the Trojan Horse's cunning use to gain entry. The archaeological remains of Troy offer invaluable insights into the ancient world, illustrating the city's complex history and its significance in myth and reality.
A Unique Cultural Tapestry
The region now known as Turkey has a rich history and has been a crossroads of civilizations throughout the centuries. Various groups, including the Greeks, Romans, and others, have settled in and influenced the local culture, leaving behind a significant archaeological record that continues to be explored today.
The Greeks notably impacted the area, establishing settlements such as Alexandria Troas. Founded in the fourth century BC on the site of an earlier settlement, it was named by Lysimachus, a successor of Alexander the Great. The site spans 990 acres (400 hectares), and the discovery of the Greek theatre has generated considerable excitement among archaeologists, particularly given the scarcity of remaining structures from that period.
Showcasing Ancient Greek Theater Traditions
Excavations at Alexandria Troas commenced in July and will continue until the end of the year, led by a 40-person team under the direction of archaeologist Erhan Oztepe from Ankara University. The project is primarily funded by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
While much of this year's efforts have focused on the ancient city centre and its forum, attention has shifted to the Greek theatre ruins, located about 220 yards (200 meters) from the town centre.
“It’s built into the hillside, following the traditional design of Greek theatres,” Professor Oztepe explained in an interview with Turkey Today. “We estimate its capacity to be around 10,000 to 12,000 seats.”
The theatre's strategic hillside location allowed for tiered seating arrangements, maximizing the available space. Construction likely began during the city's early days, if not before its official founding, with indications that it was later renovated under Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD.