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The tiers of stone seats in the Herodian theater face the sea that laps against the beach directly to the west (lower left corner). By the sixth century, performances in the theater had ceased and the eastern side of the structure was incorporated into a fortress. A substantial portion of this fortress, identifiable by two round towers projecting from it, still extends toward the sea on the north side of the theater. Another incomplete tower may be seen projecting to the east (upper right). In the early ’60’s an Italian excavation cleared and restored the theater. Today audiences fill the ancient benches to hear performances by the Israel Philharmonic.