Second Ancient Theatre, Larissa

[1][2] Its construction is probably connected to the conversion of the city's original theatre, which was converted into an arena for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles after the Roman conquest of Greece.

[1] The excavator of the site, Athanasios Tziafalias, suggested in particular a connection with the festival of Eleutheria, which featured athletic and horsemanship contests as well as theatrical, musical, and poetry performances.

[1] The theatre was left in ruins in the Middle Ages, when a Byzantine church dedicated to the Holy Wisdom or to Saint Paraskevi was erected in its place.

[2] The church was in turn replaced by the mosque of Hasan Bey was erected on the site during the Ottoman period.

[1] The orchestra has a diameter of 29.7 metres (97 ft) and is composed of two layers of stamped earth mixed with gravel.