Theater of ancient Herakleia uncovered at Policoro

Theater of ancient Herakleia uncovered at Policoro

A recent archaeological campaign in Policoro has identified the remains of the ancient theater of the Magna Graecia city of Herakleia. The find completes an important missing piece in the understanding of the city's urban and social structure, founded by Taranto in 433 BC.

Results presentation: the research outcomes will be announced on 19 March 2026 at 12:00 at the "Dinu Adamesteanu" National Archaeological Museum in Potenza, in an event organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Basilicata.

• Participants: institutional and scientific representatives will attend the presentation, including regional and municipal authorities and museum directors.
• Moderator: the meeting will be moderated by the director of the Potenza archaeological museum.
• Scientific direction: Carmelo Colelli, director of the National Museum of Siritide and the Herakleia Archaeological Park, will detail the excavation results.

Theater buildings in Greek poleis served not only for performances but as civic meeting places and hubs of collective life. Locating the theater area allows scholars to revise the layout of public spaces and better understand the functional relationships within Herakleia's urban fabric.

Research context: the 2025 campaign was financed by the Ministry of Culture under a national programme for archaeological excavations in national parks. The work was carried out by the National Museums of Matera – Regional Directorate of National Museums Basilicata, which continues to promote research and enhancement of the region's heritage.

This discovery offers new avenues for studying the cultural and social life of the Magna Graecia community and provides important data for researchers and for the site's future public presentation.