Gallo-Roman Theatre of Thénac, Thénac, France

The Gallo-Roman Theater is an ancient arena theater located in Thénac, Charente-Maritime. It is part of an ancient rural sanctuary with thermal baths and a spring. Likely constructed during Nero's reign and abandoned in the 3rd century, its remains were classified as historical monuments in 1990.

Measuring at least 84m wide, its unique architecture involves internal buttresses defining compartments, reinforcing its structure against earth pressure.

The theater is part of a rural sanctuary 5 km south of Saintes, existing since the Neolithic era. Believed to be built during Nero's time, it remained in use until at least the 3rd to 4th century. After abandonment, it served as a stone quarry. Excavations occurred in 1825-1828 by René Eschassériaux, published later by his grandson Eugene in 1880-1881. Additional excavations took place in the 1960s and 1990s, leading to its classification as a historical monument.

The arena theater, at least 84m in diameter, features an east-facing cavea with a semi-circular orchestra, built from local Campanian limestone. Semi-cylindrical buttresses reinforce the cavea's perimeter against earth pressure. Radiating vomitories divide the cavea into six sectors. Recent studies reveal a fully masoned stage wall with two passageways leading to the orchestra. The theater has been municipally owned since 2000, previously belonging to the state for 14 years.

User Reviews

Marine Joly (2 years ago)
The site is pretty and well maintained. Access is free. We clearly distinguish the different parts of the theater. A few display panels could allow the general public to better understand the history of the site, however. However, with a phone, it is possible to receive 4G and search for information on the internet while admiring this place. The place is not very busy so the lack of clearly marked parking does not pose a problem, just park on the side of the path leading to the theater. I recommend it to curious people and history buffs.

Daniele Arnaud (2 years ago)
On the way to Saint James

Raphaël Cherbonneau (3 years ago)
The “Arènes de Thénac” are in fact an ancient Gallo-Roman theater. The site is very well maintained and you can clearly see the amphitheater, the stage and the vomitoriums. All close to the Nationale 137, which connects Saintes to Pons. Certainly an ancient Roman road. There are many in SAINTONGE. The towers of Pirelonge, Chagnon and the Ebéon lantern are exceptional monuments because everywhere else these watchtowers have been ruined. The watchtowers were located along the Roman road and allowed communication from far and wide to warn of the arrival of enemies with fires lit at the top.

Marie-Christine BRUERE (3 years ago)
Not necessarily very well signposted and the parking lot doesn't look like much, finally it is not marked Still worth seeing to explain, especially to children

Aurore NAYRAC (4 years ago)
Nice site which deserves some explanatory panels

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