File:Ancient Theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus - 52002771234.jpg

English: The ancient theatre of Epidaurus was built east of the Sanctuary of Asclepius in the late 4th century BC. It was designed by Polykleitos the Younger. The theatre is considered to be geometrically perfect. Even in ancient times it was praised for its beauty and superior acoustics. Modern analysis has confirmed that the theatre’s design allows sound waves within the frequencies of human speech to be reflected to all areas of the theatre in such a way as to aid clarity and intelligibility. The theatre’s north-west facing cavea measures 119 metres wide, and has a capacity of 14,000 spectators.

The theatre was built against the hillside with 2 curved retaining walls. Six main entrances gave access to the theatre including two large gated entrances alongside the stage. The lower seating (ima cavea) is arranged with 34 rows in 13 wedges. The bottom row of seats included backrests and were reserved for prominent guests. A praecinctio (walkway) with a podium wall separates the lower seats from the summa cavea of 21 rows in 22 wedges. The cavea was built from a local hard, reddish-grey limestone. The orchestra is a full circle with a diameter of around 21 metres. It is surrounded by a stone-paved, 2 metre wide euripos (covered drain) to manage water run-off into a drainage system underneath the theatre. A thymele (altar) was located at the centre of the orchestra floor. Wide ramps at end each led to the main stage which was 22 x 3 metres in size. The stage scene was 3.5 metres high and decorated with a row of Ionic columns. Painted wooden panels fitted between the columns as a back-drop for various performances. The stage structure was built in a softer, yellow limestone. The proscaenium was re-decorated in the early 2nd century BC. The theatre was used for large dramatic performances, as well as poetry and musical competitions associated with the cult of Asclepius. The theatre at Epidaurus is one of the best preserved ancient Greek theatres. The seating is almost perfectly preserved with a large part of the lower stage and scene also remaining. The full orchestra floor and surrounding kerb and paved euripus are fully preserved in-situ. The central altar also remains. The monumental entrance ways have been restored and are used by visitors entering the theatre today. The theatre is still used for public performances including the traditional Greek plays.

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