Archaeologists Discover Large Ancient Theater on Greek Island of Lefkada

Archaeologists Discover Large Ancient Theater on Greek Island of Lefkada

Archaeologists Discover Large Ancient Theater on Greek Island of Lefkada

The culture minister reported that the archaeological excavations on the Ionian island of Lefkada have brought to light an unknown and significant ancient theatre.

It said that it was discovered on Koulmou hill toward the end of 2015.

The ministry reported that test sections were cut in an area on the north-east flank of Koulmou ‘s mid hill that forms an amphitheatrical downward hollow ending in a long flat section.

It was pointed out that archaeologists knew very little about the ancient theatre of the city, which was not mentioned in any ancient sources, even though logs of archaeological excavation in the early 20th century under the direction of German archaeologist E. Krüger, which lasted only a few days, reported the discovery of the signs indicating the presence of an ancient theater.

The Aitoloakarnania and Lefkada Antiquities Ephorate dug sections in 13 places, which confirmed the existence of the theater and uncovered rows of seats, parts of the orchestra and some of the retaining walls for the stage and other parts of the theater.

The ministry said that six sections revealed seats carved from the rock, about 0.73 to 0.90 meters deep and 0.22-0.33 meters high.

Others found the orchestra and a section of a wall in a quadrant plan, up to 0.6 meters across. Also found in the sections were portions retaining walls.

The culture ministry said that continuing the excavation in order to reveal and protect the monument will be a priority for the ministry’s services, adding that the Lefkada Municipality and Ionian Islands Regional Authority have both supported the work.

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