Syracuse, is famous for its magnificent Greek theater, but the town preserves also another archaeological gem that is less known but equally evocative: the linear or rectilinear theater, studied by the Italian archaeologist Gino Vinicio Gentili. It is located on the southwestern side of the Temenite hill, at a short distance from the more famous Greek theater which is still used today for classical performances. The linear theater of Syracuse was studied in the 1950s by Gentili, who interpreted it as a small theatrical structure. Unlike the classic Greek theater, which is semicircular, this second "theater" has a rectilinear layout. The structure of the linear theater extends along a longitudinal axis. The rectilinear staircase, located just 100 meters from the Greek theater and the Neapolis archaeological area, faces south. Nowadays there are still 17 rows of seats of the koilon preserved and divided into 3 kerkides and 2 klimakes. The structure measures approximately 27x13 meters, and Gentili hypothesized two construction phases, the first of which included only 9 rows of seats. The construction of the modern road, the so-called "panoramica," cut off the continuity of the monument, which is now located outside the fence of the archaeological area. At present no archaeological digs where possible to obtain information about a possible orchestra or stage building. The period of use of the building is dated between the 6th and 3rd century B.C., with a terminus ante quem for its abandonment given by a small funerary hypogeum built at the base of the monument in the 3rd century B.C.
While it is intriguing to think that this place might have hosted the Doric comedies of Epicharmus and Phormis from Syracuse, on the other hand, the particular configuration of the *theatron* suggests that the building may have been used for other purposes, perhaps for athletic games, assemblies, or public ceremonies. The smaller dimensions compared to the Greek theater and the lack of an elaborate scenae frons indicate that the building was intended for a smaller audience and probably for more intimate or specific events. The exact function of the rectilinear theater of Syracuse is still a subject of debate among scholars. Some suggest that it may have been used as a meeting place for the city council or public assemblies, given its rectilinear shape. Others, however, hypothesize that it was intended for athletic or religious events, as its linear configuration is better suited to events that required a longer, straight space rather than a curved one. Despite the uncertainty about its specific function, the rectilinear theater of Syracuse represents an important testimony to the architectural and cultural diversity of the city in ancient times.
Few visitors of Syracuse are aware of the existence of the linear theater and go to admire it. To reach it, simply exit the Neapolis archaeological park through the rear gate and walk up Via Agnello for a few dozen meters. From the roadside (with caution due to the lack of sidewalks) you can admire the remains of the linear theater.
