Theatre of Dionysus/Bacchus
Ancient Greek theatre, built 342-326 BC at the site where various theatre buildings had been erected since the early 6th century BC. 17,000 seats. Alterations in the 3rd and 2nd century BC, and then again ca. 61 AD under Roman emperor Nero (raised stage, stone proskenion, 2nd skene storey). Marble barrier between skene and audience added in the 1st century AD. Honour seats added in Roman times. After the 4th century AD the theatre was not used anymore and fell into decay. 1765 rediscovered. Archaeological examination and restoration in the late 19th century under Wilhelm Dörpfeld.
All extant classical Greek dramas were first presented in the theatres on this site.
Epidauros, c350 BC
Pompei, Italy:
Ancient Roman theatre, built ca. 55 BC by Marcus Artorius Primus as a reconstruction of an older theatre building (first theatre on the site: 2nd century BC). Funded by Marcus Holconius Rufus and Marcus Holconius Celer (according to inscriptions). Destroyed by the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 7 AD. Also known as “Teatro Tragico”. Ca. 5000 seats.
