23/04/2025
A short trip to Düzce, visiting the famous Prusias ad Hypium Ancient City Theater.
̈zce ̈rkiye
Trivia & Fun Facts
1. “Ephesus of the Western Black Sea”
Prusias ad Hypium is nicknamed this due to its remarkably preserved Roman ruins and cultural importance, comparable to Ephesus in the Aegean region.
2. Still Being Excavated
Excavations are ongoing as of 2025. Archaeologists are still uncovering new parts of the ancient theater and city, including statues, mosaics, and original Roman architecture.
3. Massive Seating Capacity
The theater is estimated to have held up to 10,000 spectators, making it one of the largest known in the Black Sea region.
4. Kırk Basamaklar (Forty Steps)
Locals call it “Kırk Basamaklar” due to the surviving steps of its cavea (seating area). Many of these seats are still intact after nearly 2,000 years.
5. Earthquake Resistant
Despite multiple major earthquakes in the Düzce region, the structure has held up remarkably well – a testament to Roman engineering.
6. Found Theater Ticket
A tiny clay ticket believed to be a seat pass for a Roman-era event was discovered during excavations, offering a direct connection to the theater’s past audiences.
7. Sacred Mosaic Room
Archaeologists discovered a secret upper room with mosaics featuring lions, believed to be used for Dionysian rituals – tying the site to ancient theater worship.
8. Mythological Finds
Excavations have revealed statues of Medusa, Apollo, and a bust believed to be Alexander the Great – suggesting the site had significant cultural and artistic value.
9. Stage Structure Still Standing
Unlike many ancient theaters, parts of the skene (stage building) still remain, giving a rare glimpse into how performances were staged.
10. Aqueducts and Arched City Gates Nearby
The theater is just one piece of the city. Close by are Roman aqueducts, roads, and monumental gates – showing the scale and richness of Prusias ad Hypium.
