Theatrum Balbi: A large Roman theatre in Cádiz

The Roman Theatre of Cádiz, known as Theatrum Balbi, is an ancient structure located in Cádiz, Andalusia, in southern Spain. The ruins, which date to the 1st century BC, were one of the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. The theatre was eventually abandoned in the 4th century. In the 13th century, a fortress was built on its ruins by order of King Alfonso X of Castile.

The theatre featured a cavea with a diameter of more than 120 meters and could house some 10,000 spectators. It was one of the few Roman structures of ancient Hispania mentioned by classical authors, including Cicero and Strabo.

Excavations at the site began in 1980 and have revealed layers of history beyond the Roman period. Archaeologists have found remains of a quarter dating to the taifa period, Almohad houses, and pits from the 17th century.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons