The Roman Theatre of Autun is one of the largest and most impressive ancient theatres in Gaul reflecting the importance of Augustodunum during the Roman Empire. Built in the 1st century AD the theater could accommodate around 20000 spectators : making it one of the biggest entertainment venues in the Roman world.
The theatre hosted a wide variety of performances including : theater plays, musical events, public ceremonies, and celebrations. Carefully integrated into the natural slope of the hillside the architecture provided excellent acoustics and unobstructed views for the audience demonstrating the remarkable engineering skills of Roman builders.
Although only part of the original structure remains today visitors can still appreciate the immense scale of the monument. Ongoing archaeological research and restoration work continue to reveal new details about its construction and its role in the social and cultural life of ancient Autun.
Today the Roman Theatre is one of the most important archaeological sites in Autun. The site regularly hosts concerts and cultural events allowing visitors to experience the monument much as audiences did nearly two thousand years ago. The rich history and impressive setting make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the Gallo-Roman heritage of the city.
