Leptis' Theatre is one of the oldest stone theatres anywhere in the Roman world and is the second-largest surviving theatre in Africa (after Sabratha). It was begun in AD 1-2, although many adornments were later added, and was built on the site of a 3rd- to 5th-centuries BC Punic necropolis.
The most striking feature of the theatre is the stage with its façade of three semicircular recesses surrounded by three-tiered fluted columns dating from the era of Antoninus Pius (r AD 138-61). The stage was awash with hundreds of statues and sculptures that included portraits of emperors, gods and wealthy private citizens. Two remain - Liber Pater (decorated with grapes and leaves) and Hercules (his head is covered with a lion skin).
