Near Buthrotum in Sarand๋ District, Vlor๋, Albania — Southeastern Europe (Balkan Peninsula)
The Theatre
Teatri

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 23, 2018
1. The Theatre Marker
Captions: (center left) Ugolini and the excavation team in the theatre, Goddess of Butrint; (bottom left) Reconstruction of Sanctuary following its reorganization and the expansion of the theatre in the Roman period.; (top right ) Greek-style theatre; (center right) Roman-style theatre; (bottom right) Reconstruction of the Roman stage building.
English:
The Italian archaeologist Lulgi Maria Ugolini discovered the Theatre in 1928-30. Ugolini's greatest discovery was a line of statues - including the famous "Goddess of Butrint" in front of the stage building.
The first theatre followed the "Greek" style and would have been used by worshippers and the priests of the Sanctuary for religious ceremonies and public discussions. A late 4th-century BC inscription (located on the seating banks in the theatre) tells us the theatre construction was funded by donations to the Sanctuary. On the surrounding walls you can see numerous "manumission" inscriptions that record the free of slaves in honour of the god, Asclepius.
In the 2nd century AD the theatre was rebuilt and enlarged in the Roman style with a stage. The Roman theatre was the centerpiece of the town.
Erected by Parku Komb๋tar Butrint and Albanian American Development Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 44.725′ N, 20° 1.221′ E. Marker is near Buthrotum, Vlor๋, in Sarand๋ District. It can be reached from Route SH81, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buthrotum, Vlor๋ 9706, Albania. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the Balkans, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and specifically the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sanctuary of Asclepius (a few steps from this marker); The Expansion of Butrint (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacred Origins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Roman Forum (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Venetians at Butrint (about 150 meters away); Roman Town Planning (about 150 meters away); The Changing Settlement (about 180 meters away); The Baptistery and its mosaic pavements (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buthrotum.
More about this marker. The marker is located in Butrint National Park, just north of the ferry on route SH81.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 29, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.


