site.btaNewly-discovered Inscription Dates Construction of Plovdiv Ancient Theatre A Century Earlier

Newly-discovered Inscription Dates Construction of Plovdiv Ancient Theatre A Century Earlier

Plovdiv, Southern Bulgaria, November 28 (BTA) - A newly-discovered inscription dates the construction of the ancient theatre in Plovdiv in the 90s of the 1st century AD, and not in 116-117 AD, as it was thought so far, Plovdiv Mayor Ivan Totev told journalists Monday. Totev was accompanied by archaeologist Maya Martinova and Nikolai Sharankov, who deciphered the inscription. The find also proved wrong the claim that the wonderful structure was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, as it was thought until now. It was built during the reign of Emperor Domitian.

The inscription is in Old Greek and was found at recently uncovered stairs of the theatre, Sharankov explained. It is the oldest inscription providing information not only about Philippopolis (as Plovdiv was called) but also about the institutions in it, the convention of the assembly of the province of Thrakia and the city's leading role during the reign of Emperor Domitian.

The inscription, which consists of two fragments, will be put together and exhibited in the exhibition halls beneath the theatre stage, Martinova said.