The Sabra Theatre

The Sabra Theatre is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Nabataean engineering and the cultural significance of its location.

The Sabra Theatre, constructed in a natural gully, skillfully used the terrain to manage water with an elaborate system of channels and basins to control runoff. This small, horseshoe-shaped theater is 39 meters wide with an inner diameter of 22 meters, featuring tiered seating and easy access via stairways. Its 11 rows of seats could accommodate between 500 and 800 spectators, indicating its use for celebrations, social events, and plays. The theater's design, with significant features like a large stairway added in the 2nd century A.D., highlights the importance of Sabra as a caravan city along a trade route. Based on the construction techniques and stone blocks used, the theater and its water system are dated to the 1st century A.D., and the site remained in use until the late Roman period. The theater's location within the small suburban settlement suggests it was a central gathering place for the community, serving as a hub for cultural and social activities. The archaeological remains at Sabra indicate a thriving urban center with strong ties to trade in the region.

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