Roman Theatre, Mainz

The largest Roman theatre north of the Alps, built in the 1st century AD at Mogontiacum (modern Mainz), with a 116-metre diameter, 42-metre stage width, and capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators. The city's strategic position at the Rhine-Main confluence made it a major legionary base from 13/12 BC. Stage foundations were first found in 1884 during railway construction, but full identification came in 1914. Major excavations began in 1999, and the nearby train station was renamed "Mainz - Roman Theater" in 2006.