Roman Theatre of Jableh
المسرح الروماني في جبلة
Roman theatre in the heart of coastal Jableh, one of the best-preserved on the Syrian coast, near the Sultan Ibrahim ibn Adham Mosque.
In the centre of coastal Jableh, south of Latakia, stands its Roman theatre, the city's main landmark and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres on the Syrian coast. Jableh, then called Gabala, was an important Hellenistic and then Roman port city.
The theatre is about 90 metres across and could hold some 7,000 spectators. Built of limestone on flat ground rather than against a hill, its semicircular tiers rest on vaulted passages and galleries, some still standing. In the Middle Ages it was turned into a fortress and built around, which helped preserve it; it was cleared and restored in the 20th century.
About 500 metres north-west of the theatre lies the al-Jbeibat necropolis, where excavations found eight family tombs dating from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD, reused over time and holding pottery, glassware, necklaces, coins and jewellery. They show the everyday people of Gabala beside its grand theatre.
Around the theatre lies old Jableh, with the Sultan Ibrahim ibn Adham Mosque, housing the famous ascetic's shrine, and the Mamluk al-Mansouri Mosque; the old harbour and seafront are minutes away on foot.
Note: photos may not reflect the site's current condition.
For the visitor
Location: 35.3617, 35.9243 · Open on the map
Photos
Photos: Original uploader was LorisRomito at it.wikipedia — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) · Dosseman — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
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