Ancient Theater in Karthaia

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A Historic Greek Theatre Overlooking the Aegean on Kea Island

Carthaea or Karthaia was one of the four ancient Greek city-states on the island of Kea in the Cyclades. The remains of the city include both temples and public buildings and are found on the southeast coast of the island. The theater is built at the foot of the citadel of the ancient city. In 1812 the Danish antiquarian, Peter Oluf Brönsted (1780–1842), examined and dug the site in what was one of the earliest documented excavations of its age. Since then, many excavations have been conducted with conservation and restoration projects which have brought to light part of two tiers and two stairways from the cavea as well as several important findings. The theater dates back to the 4th century BC and could accommodate around 2.000 people. Next to the theater an impressive complex of Roman baths has been uncovered lately. Excavation and restoration work continues to this day.

The theater is not directly accessible by car. It can be reached on foot along an ancient path or by sea. There are four beautiful paths leading to Karthea. The shortest one, is trail no 6, starting at Stavroudaki.