The original theater of Ostia was built in 12 B.C.E. and then reconstructed in 196 C.E. to increase the seating and capacity to 3,500 spectators.    Below right: the theater view from the forum area.

Originally there was a three story structure that served as the back of the stage area (near where the columns now stand), but that structure is totally missing.

The back of the theater borders an area known as the Forum of the Corporation (the traders).  The Forum was the center of commercial life in Ostia and the 50 officials of the corporation made decisions covering all business of this  maritime city.  Picture taken while standing by theater columns.

The raised area once was a temple (dedicated to Ceres, perhaps) where offerings were made in gratitude after a successful day of trading, or perhaps before trading to insure a good deal.

continue to area that surrounds the forum--the shops