The Roman Amphitheater in Jableh..a unique archaeological edifice

The Roman amphitheater in Jableh city of Lattakia is an archaeological and historic edifice and an example of Roman architecture on the Phoenician coast and a witness to the nobility of this coastal city and its historical position.

The Roman amphitheater, which dates back to the 2nd century AD, acquires its architectural importance from its unique architecture in terms of organizing its stairs ,arches, arcades, and external facades with decorative columns, in addition to its position as a military fortress in several eras.

The Byzantines turned the amphitheater into a fortress to defend the city during the Arab and Islamic conquest of Jableh city in  638 AD, and it remained even during the Crusader, Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, evidenced by the remains of fortifications, buildings and various facilities that appeared during the archaeological excavations carried out by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums since 1950. It is considered one of the most beautiful monuments left by the Romans on the Phoenician coast.

Dr. Masoud Badawi, Director of Jableh Antiquities, indicated in a statement to SANA  that the theater was built on plain land with huge sandstone pillars . The audience’s amphitheaters, which are 35 steps, were built with limestone in a semi-circular shape, with a diameter of 90 meters  for  about 8 to 10 thousand spectators. .

Badawi clarified that the site in general was used as a military fortress, while the construction of the theater with decorative columns, crowns, and radial staircases embodies the  architectural skill that characterized the Roman theaters in Syria.

Rawaa Ghanam