Located on the slope between Kadifekale and Smyrna Agora, excavations of the Smyrna Ancient Theater began in 2014, following the expropriation and demolition of houses built over it. According to findings from the excavations, the theater was first constructed in the 2nd century BCE. Like the Agora, it was affected by the earthquake of 178 CE, later restored, and reached its final form. The theater originally had a seating capacity of 20.000 people, and excavation work continues today. Once the excavations are complete and necessary restoration efforts are carried out, the theater will be revived, making İzmir one of the few modern cities in the world to host an ancient theater within its urban center.