Roman Theatre of Orange

The Roman Theatre of Orange is a Roman theatre in Orange, Vaucluse, France [1]. It was built early in the 1st century AD [1]. The Orange theatre was created under the rule of Augustus, and is believed to be one of the first of its kind in this area of modern-day France [1]. One of the most iconic parts of this structure is the grand exterior facade, which measures 103 meters long and 37 meters high [1]. Originally, there was a wooden roof across the theatre to protect the audience from unfavorable weather conditions [1]. There is evidence on the walls that shows that, at some point, the roof was destroyed in a fire [1]. As the Western Roman Empire declined during the 4th century, by which time Christianity had become the official religion, the theatre was closed by official edict in AD 391 [1]. Reconstruction began in 1825 with the intent of returning the theatre to its original purpose: to host large, exciting performances [1].