Archaeological Monuments
Epirus is also known for its archaeological monuments. The ancient theaters of Epirus in Greece are some of the most impressive and well-preserved structures of the Hellenistic period, as well as the Necromanteion of Acheron. These theaters, in particular, are proof of Greek expertise in architecture, engineering, and creativity in the performing arts. More specifically, two of the most important theaters in the region are the Dodoni Theater and the Nicopolis Theater. The Dodoni Theater, located in Ioannina, was built in 350 BC and consisted of a circular orchestra and semicircular seating arrangement that could accommodate about 17,000 spectators. The theater was also famous for its acoustics, which was attributed to its strategic location in the heart of the Oracle of Dodona, the use of stone as a building material, and the incorporation of natural acoustics in its design.
Indeed, the Nicopolis Theater, located in Preveza, was built around 31 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus' victory in the Battle of Actium. The theater had a capacity of 12,000 seats and is renowned for its grandeur and luxurious designs. The Nicopolis Theater reflects typical Roman architecture with a rectangular orchestra, a stage building, and seating arrangements that allowed clear visibility of the performers. However, these ancient theaters of Epirus are not merely notable archaeological sites, but represent the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Greece. Today, these structures serve as popular tourist attractions and a nod to the region's glorious past. Also, one of the standout archaeological monuments is the famous Necromanteion of Acheron
Necromanteion of Acheron
The most famous necromanteion of the ancient Greek world is located in the village of Mesopotamos in the Prefecture of Preveza and is the Necromanteion of Acheron.
The earliest use of the hill where the Necromanteion of Acheron is preserved dates back to the Mycenaean era (14th-13th century BC). Later, a sanctuary dedicated to the deity of Earth must have been established on the site.
The surviving remains of the Necromanteion of Acheron date to the Hellenistic period. The sanctuary in this form operated continuously for about two centuries. With the conquest of Macedonia by the Romans, it was burned down in 167 BC, which ended its operation. In the 1st century BC, with the settlement of Roman colonists in the plain of Acheron, the courtyard of the sanctuary was inhabited again. At the beginning of the 18th century, the monastery of Saint John the Baptist, which survives to this day, and the corresponding cemetery were built on the site.
Nicopolis
Another archaeological monument is Nicopolis. It all began in 31 BC. To celebrate his success in the naval battle of Actium, at the entrance of the Ambracian Gulf, Octavian, later Emperor Augustus, decided to build an entire new city – this was customary then, Alexander the Great often did it too. He would name the new city Nicopolis, to remind everyone of his victory, and it is located in Preveza.
Octavian would make another decision. He would declare Apollo as his protector and for political and religious reasons, he would renew the games that had been held here since ancient times in his honor. In Nicopolis, in its ‘suburban grove’, he made sure that all the necessary facilities were built for the new Actian Games: a gymnasium, a stadium, two bath complexes, and, of course, a theater, since the games were both athletic and artistic.
The imposing Roman theater of Nicopolis was used continuously from the 1st century BC until the 3rd century AD. Entire generations passed through here, spectators and artists, anonymous and famous, even Nero himself, the notorious Roman emperor who ‘tested’ his abilities in music and tragedy and – of course – was awarded!
Ancient Theater of Kassopi
The archaeological monument of Kassopi is built on a spacious plateau with an altitude of about 550 m on the southern slopes of the Zaloggo mountain range, in a naturally fortified and strategic position. A balcony of the Preveza prefecture, it offers a unique view of the Ionian Sea, the Ambracian Gulf, Lefkada, and the Acarnanian coasts.
Kassopi was built before the middle of the 4th century BC (340 BC) while its great prosperity was noted from the end of the 3rd century BC onwards. At this time, its population is estimated to have reached 8,000 to 10,000 inhabitants.
Kassopi is a characteristic example of a complete urban city of the Epirotic tribes of the 4th century BC. The Hippodamian urban planning system was applied during its construction.
Ancient Theater of Dodoni
The ancient theater of Dodoni, which is known for its pan-Hellenic radiance, dates back to the Bronze Age (2600-1200 BC). Initially, it was open-air and the Great Goddess, deity of fertility and abundance, was worshipped there, who was later replaced by the worship of Dodonaean Zeus (Zeus Naios) and his wife Dione. The priests (Selloi or Elloi) would give oracles by listening to the rustling of leaves or the sounds of tripods that existed around the Phego, the sacred oak tree of Zeus. In his honor, the Naia, famous pan-Hellenic games, were held.
At this archaeological monument, the construction of the first temple, the ‘Sacred House’, began in the 4th century BC. However, the Sanctuary was radically renovated in the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Pyrrhus. Besides the ancient theater of Dodona, the Prytaneion, the Bouleuterion, and the Theater were built during the same period. The Theater is one of the largest ancient theaters in Greece (with approximately 17,000 seats). Homer, as well as other ancient Greek writers, mention the Oracle of Dodona as the oldest in the Greek world. The Sanctuary was destroyed in 219 BC by the Aetolians and later in 167 BC by the Romans.
The ancient theater of Dodona is located at the foot of Mount Tomaros (formerly Olytsika) south of Ioannina and is one of the most important in Epirus.
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