The Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria is one of the great highlights of the beautiful city of Alexandria. The Amphitheaters were not just popular in Egypt, they were popular in other countries as Italy, Greece, Jordan and Turkey.
Roman Amphitheatre Name & Meaning
This Roman Amphitheatre is the only one of its type that exists in Egypt. The Amphitheatre is located in Kom El-Dikka in the northern section of Alexandria. The amphitheatre is a Greek word that means double theatre. Kom in Arabic means hill, while Dikka means benches, so the two words together mean the “Hill of Benches”. Maybe due to the benches of the Amphitheatre.
Discovery
The Amphitheatre of Alexandria was found by chance in 1960. Workers were clearing sand and dust to build a government building. Very soon, a team from the Greco-Roman Museum and the Polish Mission in Egypt began excavating the area. Later, the Amphitheatre was discovered.
According to studies, the Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria was in action to hold events until the 7th century AD. The excavations showed that the Amphitheatre was in use during the Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic eras in Egypt.
Design & Function of the Roman Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre was used for many things. A new study suggests it also served as the House of Parliament. It may have also been the House of Representatives. Other suggestions say it was used as a conference hall. Now the Amphitheatre still holds some music concerts or parties.
The Amphitheatre has a marble audience section in a semi-circle or letter U shape. It could host up to 500 spectators. This section consists of 13 rows. These 13 rows were numbered in Roman digits. These rows are based on a thick wall of limestone surrounded by another wall. There were also 5 compartments at the top of the audience section to host the VIP figures and the wealthy merchants. In the middle of the structure, there is a section for the orchestra.
This Amphitheatre had a great dome. It as well had two doors during the Roman period, one door in the southern section, and another door in the northern section. These doors were closed during the Byzantine period.
Around the Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria are statues and column capitals from Roman-era Egypt.
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How to get to the Roman amphitheater from Alexandria?
To visit the Roman Amphitheater in Alexandria, here are several options to reach this historical landmark, depending on your starting point:
1. From Alexandria City Center
- By Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can take you directly to the Roman Amphitheater in the Kom El-Dikka area. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running.
- By Public Transport: Minibuses or shared taxis run frequently through Alexandria’s main streets. Ask the driver to drop you near Kom El-Dikka or Ramleh Station, which is a short walk from the amphitheater.
- By Walking: If you’re near the city center, such as Raml Station, you can walk to the site in 10–15 minutes. Use navigation apps for the quickest route.
2. From Alexandria Railway Station (Misr Station)
- The Roman Amphitheater is less than 2 kilometers from Misr Station.
- Walking: A leisurely walk takes about 20–25 minutes.
- By Taxi or Ride-hailing Apps: A short taxi ride will take 5–10 minutes.
3. From Borg El Arab Airport
- By Taxi or Ride-hailing Apps: A direct taxi ride from the airport takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By Private Transfer: Egypt Best Vacations offers a wide range of private transfers in Alexandria, which can drop you directly at the Roman Amphitheater.
Tips for Visiting:
- Entry Tickets: Purchase your tickets at the entrance. The site is usually open daily, but check timings in advance.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with nearby sites like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or Pompey’s Pillar for a full historical experience.
Conclusion: Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria is a rare and impressive site. It is the only one of its kind in Egypt. It reflects the city’s rich Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic history. Its design shows how people once gathered for events, meetings, and performances. Today, it remains a quiet reminder of Alexandria’s cultural past. Visiting the Amphitheatre lets you step back in time and feel the history of this remarkable city.
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FAQs: Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria
What does “Kom El-Dikka” mean, and why is the amphitheatre called that?
Kom El-Dikka is Arabic for “Hill of Benches” — a fitting name, since the site’s marble seating rows are its most striking feature.
When was the Roman Amphitheatre in Alexandria discovered?
It was uncovered by chance in 1960 during construction work, after which a joint Greco-Roman Museum and Polish Mission team carried out the excavation.
How many people could the amphitheatre hold?
The marble seating area held up to 500 spectators across 13 rows, with five upper compartments reserved for VIPs and wealthy merchants.
How long does it take to visit, and what else is nearby?
Most visitors spend around 30–45 minutes at the site. It pairs well with nearby landmarks like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or Pompey’s Pillar for a fuller day of sightseeing.
What’s the easiest way to get to the amphitheatre from central Alexandria?
From the city center it’s a short taxi ride or a 10–15 minute walk from Raml Station; from Misr Railway Station it’s about 20–25 minutes on foot or a 5–10 minute taxi ride.