The ancient theaters of Greece were large, open-air buildings, most of which were built in hillsides. Some of them were huge and could hold more than 18,000 spectators. The way they were built, in this semi-circular system, meant everyone had a great view. These artistic masterpieces consist of four main parts, the orchestra, the passages, the theater and the stage.
Many times they were used to honor different gods, while some of them were built in memory of a wife, such as the Conservatory of Herod Atticus, built in 161 AD., to honor the memory of Herod’s wife.
The following are some of the most popular and famous ancient theaters which are as rich in history as the plays performed in them.
Epidaurus
Designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BC, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus originally had 34 rows, and then, during Roman times, it was expanded with an additional 21 rows, having a total capacity of 15,000 spectators. The theater is known for its acoustics, providing all spectators, regardless of where they are seated, with perfect hearing. It is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world and has been included by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites. The theater was dedicated to the ancient Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. Nowadays the Theater is still used for ancient drama performances. Numerous theater groups and actors of international prestige have presented their works in the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus.
Dodoni
The ancient Theater of Dodoni is located in Epirus and is one of the best-preserved and largest ancient theaters, as it can accommodate 18,000 spectators. The theater was built in the 3rd century BC. by the king of Epirus, Pyrros, and it was an integral part of the sanctuary of Dodoni. It suffered several damages and had to undergo reconstruction. Today the theater still hosts performances in the summer.
Athens – Herodion Conservatory, Theater of Dionysos
The Conservatory of Herod Atticus, more widely known as Herodion, is an ancient conservatory of the Roman period, located on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. It was built by Herod Atticus in the 2nd century AD, in honor of his wife, Aspasia Rigillis.
The purpose of the building was primarily to host musical events and for this reason it was called Conservatory. Today, the Conservatory of Herod Atticus hosts one of the most important cultural events in Greece, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, presenting a large number of theatrical performances, ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, as well as concerts.
It is not by chance characterized, according to the Canadian newspaper “Globe and Mail”, as the second best theater in the world.
Built around 500 BC. on the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus is regarded as the first sample of Greek theatres and the birthplace of the Greek drama. The Theater, dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine, had a capacity of around 17,000 spectators and it was the first theater in the world.
Ancient Theater of Delphi
The ancient theater of Delphi is located inside the Temple of Pythian Apollo. It dates back to the 4th century BC, and was built of Parnassos limestone. Its 35 rows held 5,000 people. Today it still hosts theater performances and other cultural events. According to Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Oracle and it was considered the “Omphalos” (the center of the earth)!
Ancient Messina
The Theater of Ancient Messina is located in a beautiful location in Peloponnese. Ancient Messina is an important historical and archaeological site that has been well preserved over the years. It is one of the largest theaters of antiquity with space for 10,000 spectators.
Its final form comes from some repairs and renovations that took place around the middle of the 2nd century AD. It is believed that in addition to theatrical performances, it was used for religious celebrations and political gatherings.
Greece is a holiday destination that has it all. Its ancient theatres are among the must-see attractions, which take us back to the glorious days of entertainment in the past.
