The Ancient Theatre of Epidavrus

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is regarded as

the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece
in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine
structure. It was constructed in the late 4th
century BC and it was finalized in two stages.
Originally the theatre had 34 rows of seats
divided into 34 blocks by stairs and walkways.

The Location of the ancient

theatre
The ancient theatre is situated near the ancient sanctuary of
Asklepios, a celebrated healing center of the classical world. It
was used as a therapeutic and religious centre dedicated to
Asklepios, the god of healing. Today the sanctuary is an extended
archeological site with interesting buildings. The theatre is
surrounded by lush greenery, an integral part of the theatre itself.
This famous ancient theatre distinguishes for its architectural
symmetry and the great acoustics.

The acoustics of the

theatre
Due to its incomparable acoustics the actors can be perfectly
heard by all 15,000 spectators, as you can even hear the
sound of a pin dropping. It is known from the antiquity until
the present days for its size, the unique architecture and
harmonious proportions. It was built by the architect
Polykleitos on the side of a mountain and overlooking the
sanctuary of Asklepius. This is a superb example of
classical theater with an orchestra and the circular area
between the seats, which are made from murble, and the
stage. The highest distance of the concave is 58 metres,
while the diameter of the stage is 20 metres.

The excavations and

the popularity
For centuries the monument remained covered by a
slope of trees until the year 1881, when several
excavations took place. As the theatre was built after
the classical times, not a single original ancient drama
had been presented there, but all performances were
repetitions of classic plays. Since 1938, when modern
dramas started to be presented again in the theatre, it
has hosted hundreds of plays. The famous Epidavria
Festival, presently Athens Epidaurus Festival, begun
in1954 and it is held every summer with famous
ancient dramas or modern plays. Over the years, the
festival has hosted both Greek and foreign artists.

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