Odeum Interior 1

View looking northeast at the cavea of the Restored Odeum-Bouleuterion at Laodicea. The seating area is divided into three sections (cunei) that are separated by staircases. It was built into the hillside and probably had entrances from above. The structure could seat about 600 people for political meetings or entertainment gatherings.

The lower section has been reconstructed from materials found in the excavation—a process known as anastylosis. The upper section have not. Notice in the upper left of the photograph the original grey seat. Prior to excavation these were the only portions of the Odeum–Bouleuterion that were visible.

In the center of the image there is a break in the seating pattern, with a marble statue that has been place in it. Excavators uncovered this seated marble statue believed to represent a chief judge or magistrate. The head was replaced in antiquity, suggesting changes in officeholders while the statue continued to symbolize judicial authority.

The Odeum was probably built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus (r. 27 BC–14 AD). It remained in use through the seventh century AD.

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The excavation of this structure began in 2024, under the direction of Professor Celal Şimşek, and its restoration and excavation has continued to the present day (2026, when this picture was taken).

As an Odeum it would have been covered and used for lectures and concerts. It probably also served as a bouleuterion, that is, a council chamber for the elected officials of the city known as the boule.