Ancient theater of Guelma

Guelma, or Calama in antiquity, located in the east of the country, was a Numidian city before becoming a municipality under the reign of Emperor Trajan and a Roman colony towards the end of the 3rd century. From its Roman past, this city has preserved a theater which is, in the opinion of competent people, an architectural masterpiece. This theater has a large number of stands divided into four zones and crossed by stairs. The stage of this monument is imposing and is distinguished by an architectural ensemble resting on the proscenium itself articulated around a staircase of seven steps. On both sides of the staircase on the platform and in great harmony rest two gigantic porticos formed by two very high columns and two pilasters. Against the stage wall stand, on either side, two colossal statues of Aesculapius and Neptune. The ancient theater of Guelma houses the city's most important museum dedicated to archaeology. This monument remains a witness to the cultural influence that the city experienced at the beginning of the 3rd century.