Segesta, Theater

Segesta (Greek Σέγεστα, ῎Εγεστα, Αἵγεστα): town in western Sicily, best known for its temple.

Segesta's theater is situated on a hill that is about 100 m higher than the temple; the walk to the summit of the Monte Barbaro is part of the fun. Again, the monument is almost perfectly preserved. It was probably built in first half of the third century, briefly before the outbreak of the First Punic War changed Sicily into a war zone. It has a diameter of about 63 m and may have hosted some 3000-3500 people. Like nearly all Greek theaters, it was dug into a hill, but near the stage, supporting walls were needed.