Ancient theatre of Aptera

This theatre is part of the archaeological site of Aptera, near present-day Chania, in western Crete. The ancient coastal city-state was once one of Crete’s most important commercial centres, at its peak in the Hellenistic period (late 4th-3rd centuries BC). The theatre was built near the south east gate of the city in the Early Hellenistic period, and underwent significant alterations during the Roman period, mostly in the 1st century AD. Constructed from local limestone, the theatre follows a typical Hellenistic design, with a cavea, orchestra, and stage. A well-preserved paved road on the eastern side of the site, dating to the Hellenistic era as well, provided access to the theatre and