Ministry of Culture

Ephorate of Antiquities of Chania

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Rectilinear theatre

Archaeological Site of Aptera

The Rectilinear Theatre

euthugrammo_theatro The rectilinear theatre was erected shortly after the main theatre, in the first half of the 3rd century BC, based on its construction details and the pottery from the foundation. It is built against the back of the horseshoe-shaped theatre, facing north, and may have been intended as a retaining wall to support the first theatre.

The theatre is 50 m long, with four rows of seats and the foundations of two more, while there would originally have been 11-13 rows seating 600-720 spectators. Four staircases divide the rectilinear theatre into four roughly equal sections. The central seats have cuts carved into them, indicating that they were intended for important people.

The architectural form of the theatre resembles that of Minoan theatral areas used for religious ceremonies and athletic events in the palaces of Phaistos and Knossos. Its rectilinear form places it in a distinct category of monument. It appears to have served a key role in local society, evidently one not met by a theatre or stadium. Most of the best-known monuments of this type are termed “cultic theatres” because they are associated with sanctuaries dedicated to chthonic deities: gods of the underworld or the Earth herself. The space was used for the religious events and ritual ceremonies of the corresponding sanctuary, while a very few monuments are associated with civic functions.

It is believed that, depending on the needs of the city, the rectilinear theatre of Aptera would have been used for religious ceremonies, athletic events or even political gatherings.
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Monday: 08:30 - 15:30
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Sunday: 08:30 - 15:30

Full price: 4€
Concessions: 2€

Megala Chorafia, Souda, Crete | 730 03 GR
2825033425 & 2821044418

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