Ancient Theater of Prusias ad Hypium: New Excavations, Preliminary Data

Abstract

This publication aims for sharing the most recent datas of the archaeological excavations conducted in the ancient theatre of Prusias ad Hypium with the scientific world. The ancient city of Prusias ad Hypium, which is within the borders of today’s Düzce province, is one of the most important cities of the Bithynia Region and unfortunately, it is largely under the modern settlement. The theatre is the only monumental structure of this city preserved until today. Theatre of the city was built on the south slope of the settlement. It is a magnificent building with its cavea with three sections and six vaulted entrances, its orchestra exceeding the size of a semicircle, and a stage building with three doors and six windows. The first building stage of the theatre which shows both Greek and Roman features is probably dated to Late Hellenistic and the Early Roman Empire period. Therefore, this is one of the important transition theatres. Through some architectural elements and inscriptional evidences, it is understood that the theatre underwent a large-scale renovation in the 2nd century AD. In 2020 excavations, the exact plan of the theatre is revealed and documented. In this way, former plans and information about the theatre have definitely changed.