5,000-year-old Harappan Ruins of Dholavira May Be World's Oldest Stage

The 5,000-year-old Harappan ruins of Dholavira in Kutch (district of Gujarat state in western India) have the capacity to rewrite an important portion of the history of theatre of the world. Until now, it was believed that Greek and Roman theatre, with their amphitheatres and poignant plays, were the oldest in the world - dating back 2,500 to 3,500 years. But, archaeologists who excavated Dholavira say they found remains of what can be the world's oldest stage.

Well-known archaeologist R S Bisht, who is credited with excavating Dholavira, says, "We found a multipurpose open field which must have been used for everything, from sports like wrestling and bullock cart races, to plays." The field is 283 metres by about 45 metres and is placed between a citadel or what is known as the upper town, and the middle town in the ruins.

Read more: Will Dholavira ruins rewrite history of ancient theatre? - The Times of India

Graphic © Archaeologival Survey of India