--- title: Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria author: Carole Raddato source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/16979/ancient-theatre-of-iol-caesarea-algeria/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2023-03-01 --- # Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria _Authored by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/)_ ## Image File [![Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16979.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/16979.jpg) ## Image Caption The ancient [Theatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/theatre/) of Iol [Caesarea](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Caesarea/) (modern Cherchell in Algeria) was probably built during the time of [Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/) (c. 48 BCE-23 CE). The orchestra was modified towards the end of the 2nd century CE or the beginning of the 3rd century CE to accommodate gladiatorial combats. The theatre's *cavea* was composed of 27 seats for 5000 spectators. When the building was converted into an [amphitheatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/amphitheatre/), the five lowest tiers of seating were removed, together with the orchestra, and stage building, to create an elliptical arena surrounded by a perimeter [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/) to protect the spectators. ## About the Author Carole maintains the popular ancient history photo-blog Following Hadrian, where she travels the ancient world in the footsteps of Emperor Hadrian. - [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/FollowingHadrian) - [X/Twitter Profile](https://twitter.com/carolemadge) ## Cite This Work ### APA Raddato, C. (2023, February 10). Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Raddato, Carole. "Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 10, 2023. . ### MLA Raddato, Carole. "Ancient Theatre of Iol Caesarea, Algeria." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Feb 2023, . ## License & Copyright [![copyright source](/images/partners/white-flickr.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/52658841882/in/album-72177720305653198/)This image was first published on [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com). [Original image](https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolemage/52658841882/in/album-72177720305653198/) by **[Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato")**. Submitted by [Carole Raddato](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/FollowingHadrian/ "User Page: Carole Raddato"), published on 10 February 2023. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.