Manisa, Köseler Bay

In the as yet unexcavated theatre of Aigai, above ground are the boundaries of the koilon and three sizes of vault of the vaulted passage running under the rows of spectator’s seats facilitating entry and exit from the terrace on the left of the theatre. The circular sectioned supports above the vaulted passage advancing under the rows of seats are in three sizes to accommodate the 30 degree incline of the slope. Due to the gradient of the slope the theatre is built into the koilon is restricted to a long, narrow shape. The true dimensions of this theatre thought to be of two tiers may be established in excavations, although it is evident that the orchestra circle will be less than a semi circle. This characteristic of the koilon makes it resemble the upper amphitheatre at Pergamon. The stone of a few rows of seats in the theatre that have been unearthed share the same features as the rows of seats of the administrative building of the city which has been excavated. There are two sheet marble panels on the facade of the rows of seats and on the top of the row for the spectators to sit on. At the end of the rows the cladding of the seats was connected from beneath to the stones at the side of the steps with lead. The supporting wall of the theatre is quite elaborate with fine stonework. There is no water source on the hill, and the water collection system is worthy of note.

The theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 people, judging by the dimensions of the koilon.