The Amphitheater
was recently discovered in 1967 when work was ahead to construct
modern building on its site. It is the only Roman Theater in
Egypt and one of its kind.
Built in the 2nd century AD in the Roman
era, the theater has 13 semicircular tiers made of white
and gray marbles imported from Europe. This can accommodate
about 800 spectators. 2 of the marble columns are still standing
by the theater.
Roman baths: To the north of the theater lies the
Roman baths which was built in the 3rd century BC
The baths retain the style of the Romans in constructing pools,
pipes and the hypocaust (See Image 3).
The site has also other interesting things like a yet unexcavated
habitation quarters, cisterns,
a portico
and the exquisite 'villa of the birds.' There is also a garden
were some antiquited salvaged from sea are on display (See
Image 1, 2).
The 'villa of the birds' contains very beautiful ground geometric
and animal mosaics
featuring birds, panther and roses. The villa is now open
to the public.
This was originally a floor of a house that dates to the 1st
or 2nd century AD, but fire destroyed it. The ground was particularly
tiled in the era of Roman Emperor Hadrian (ruled 117-138).
Some walls in the villa belong to the Byzantine
era. Conservators had to clean the mosaics that had survived
the fire, fill in the gabs and cover the whole ground for
protection.
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