Roman Theater Mogontiacum

The significance of Roman Mainz (Mogontiacum) stemmed from its strategically favorable location at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Around 13/12 BC, a two-legion camp was established here, which existed until after 350 AD. A civilian settlement developed, which by around 80 AD rose to become the capital of the province of Germania superior. In this context, the Roman theater was built, presumably in connection with the funerary games in honor of Drusus. As early as 39 AD, Sueton mentioned a theater in Mogontiacum, suggesting a possible wooden predecessor. The stone theater, with a diameter of 116 m and a stage width of 42 m, served as a venue for civilian commemorative ceremonies. In the mid-4th century, during the reconstruction of the city wall, the theater fell outside the protected area, operations ceased, and the stone blocks were removed.