World’s largest ancient theater in İzmit

Nicomedia in what is today the İzmit district of the northwestern province of Kocaeli, which was one of the first metropolitan cities of the Roman Empire and its capital for long years, is home to the world's largest ancient theater overlooking the sea, according to archaeological data.

The theater of the ancient city of Nicomedia, which is today buried under modern life, has been waiting for centuries to be unearthed.

Other than Istanbul, İzmit was the only city in Anatolia that served as the capital of the Roman Empire for 45 years, and is one of the important cities where fabrication was made both in ancient times and in the Ottoman period. Destroyed due to various natural disasters, rapid and unplanned urbanization, the city is home to thousands of historical artifacts underground. The world's largest ancient theater is thought to be located in the Orhan neighborhood of İzmit under the buildings, and it is waiting to come to light.

Speaking about the history of İzmit, Art Nicomedia Association President Akın Ülkü Sevinç, said, "The first settled life in Kocaeli started in the Başiskele region in 8th century B.C. It is recorded in ancient sources as a colony founded by Megana immigrants who migrated here from Thrace. The city was growing slowly in Başiskele region. At a ceremony dedicated to the gods by King Inokomanes I, an eagle snatches a snake, which was approaching the sacrificed altar, and brought it to Izmit, opposite the Başiskele."

"Thinking this is a sign from the gods, Nicomades began to build the city of Nicomedia. Later, the city gradually grew and became an architecturally magnificent city. In 284, Roman Emperor Diocletian declared Nicomedia the capital of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was ruled from this city for...