During urban redevelopment in Izmir, Turkey, construction crews stumbled upon the remains of a massive Hellenistic theater. Further excavations have revealed a seating capacity for over 15,000 spectators, making it one of the largest ancient theaters in the Aegean region.
The theater features an exceptionally well-preserved orchestra floor and a decorated stage building (skene) with relief sculptures showing Dionysian festivals. Archaeologists believe the theater was constructed during the reign of Alexander the Great's successors and remained in use through the Roman period until a major earthquake in the 2nd century CE.