Years-long excavations and research have recently revealed the ancient Greek theater of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea, the only one discovered in the Ionian islands, which is described as the most emblematic and important monument in the region, the Greek Ministry of Culture said in a statement Wednesday.
The ancient Greek theater is located in the ancient city of Lefkada, which was founded by the Corinthians before the end of 7th-century BC. Due to its strategic position at the northeast end of the island, it became an important commercial and economic center of the ancient world.
Information on the ancient theater of the city, which is on the Koulmos Hill, about three kilometres south of the modern city of Lefkada, has been limited because it is not mentioned in any ancient sources. Excavations conducted by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada have revealed several archaeological remains, including part of the city walls, the city itself, the cemeteries and the port.
Very few things were known about the ancient theater until 2015. All the information was based on an excavation that was carried out around the theater area over a few days in the early 19th century. It was conducted under the direction of German archaeologist E. Kruge, a collaborator of W. Dorpfeld. The results of the excavation were not published in detail, but from the excavation diaries and drawings, it became known that the carved bedrock of the orchestra was revealed. Through time, the excavation points disappeared and the position of the ancient theater became fully covered by olive groves and informal warehouses.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the morphological characteristics of the area helped to again pinpoint the ancient theater’s location in 1997. In 2025, under the direction of Dr. Olympia Vikatou, the first systematic efforts to unearth the theater began. During those first excavations, seats, the orchestra as well as a stage wall were discovered.
Systematic excavations began in 2017 by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetolia-Acarnania and Lefkada in coordination with Greece’s Culture Ministry and in 2023, the big and impressive ancient theater was fully revealed.
Excavations reveal an emblematic, ancient Greek theater, the only one found in Greece’s Ionian islands
According to the ministry, excavation works were particularly difficult and demanding because a lot of big olive trees in the area had to be removed and parts of the earth had to be moved along with several architectural parts.
The monument’s preservation, especially the upper side of the “koilon” (main theater), is not good due to human activity either during antiquity or in modern times.
The main theater has 21 rows of seats and those on the lower part are in a better condition. Evidence shows that the theater was constructed in two phases, with the second one remaining incomplete. It is estimated that it could seat 3,500 spectators while, had it been fully constructed, it could seat up to 11,000.
One of the most fascinating finds is the discovery of parts of three stone thrones, elaborately decorated, among others with birds, dolphins and a siren. Research shows that the thrones were for high-profile individuals of the time, priests or officials of the city and later of the Acarnanian Public.
It appears that the construction of the theater began in the fourth century BC alongside other public buildings, when the ancient city was booming. Some construction details show that it underwent some interventions in later years. During the Roman years, it followed the fate of the city, which began to decline. When Augustus founded nearby Nikopolis in 31 BC, a large number of Lefkadas’ inhabitants moved to the new city.
The ancient theater was possibly abandoned at the end of antiquity, and a big part of its material was used in newer constructions. Despite being traumatized by human intervention, the ancient theater, in full harmony with the surrounding landscape and with a panoramic view to the entire region, it is considered the most emblematic monument that has ever come to light in Lefkada.
The excavation is directed by Dr. Olympia Vikatou, General Director of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. The scientific team includes archaeologists Vivian Staikou and Varvara Giza, topographer and engineer Georgios Lolos, architect Nikos Hatzidakis and conservator Aphrodite Tiligada.
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