GALLO-ROMAN THEATRE OF DALHEIM

Discovered in 1985, this Gallo-Roman theater cut into the rock is extremely well preserved. Located south of Dalheim(Duelem), it is situated on the old Roman road from Metz(Divodurum Mediomatricorum) to Trier(Augusta Treverorum), in the heart of the Roman vicus . It would have been built around 50 AD and could hold up to 3,500 people.

In the past, crowds cheered here for the many entertainment shows offered, ranging from comedy to tragedy. The actors of that time knew how to adapt to all the theatrical registers. The theater was the main attraction of the ancient Roman camp. The site also housed a bathhouse, which had eight rooms for bathing as well as adjacent structures.

The major part of the theater building would have been destroyed during the 3rd century. Covered by a roof in order to protect it from the assaults of time, the place lost today somewhat of its magnificence..

The site was however revalued thanks to archaeological excavations undertaken in 2007. Among the objects found are coins, paintings, hairpins, jewelry, statuettes of Roman deities, as well as a complete system of harnesses and tools... some of which are now on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris!

Tofind out more: don't hesitate to ask for information at the documentation center of the nearby archaeological site.