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Roman theatre (structure)

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Roman theatre at Orange, France
Roman theater of Volterra, Italy

A Roman theatre is a theatre building built by the Romans for watching theatrical performances.

Theatre Structure

Roman theatre characteristics are based on the Greek theatres. Much of the architectural influence of the Romans come from the Hellenistic period. As a result, Roman theatre structure derives a lot of its structural design from the Greek model. However, Roman theatres have specific differences such as building upon its own foundations instead of earthen works or a hill side and being completely inclosed on all sides. Roman theatres derive their basic design from the Theatre of Pompey, the first permanent Roman theatre.

Roman theatres were built in all areas of the empire from modern-day Spain, to the Middle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.[1]

There exist similarities between the theatres and amphitheares of ancient Rome. They were constructed out of the same material, Roman concrete, and provided a place for the public to go and see numerous events throughout the Empire. However, they are two entirely different structures, with specific layouts that lend to the different events they held. Amphitheatres did not need superior acoustics, unlike those provided by the structure of a Roman theatre. While amphitheatres would feature races and gladiatorial events, theatres hosted events such as plays, choral events, and orations. Their design enhances the natural acoustics with its semicircular formation, unlike Roman and Greek amphitheatres constructed in the round.[2]

These buildings were semi-circular and possessed certain architectural structures inherent to Roman theatres, with minor differences depending on the region in which they were constructed. The scaenae frons was a high back wall of the stage floor, supported by columns. The proscaenium was a wall that supported the front edge of the stage with ornately decorated niches off to the sides. The Hellenistic influence is seen through the use of the proscaenium. The Roman theatre also had a podium, which sometimes supported the columns of the scaenae frons. The scaenae was originally not part of the building itself, constructed only to provide sufficient background for the actors. Eventually, it became a part of the edifice itself, made out of concrete. The theatre itself was divided into the stage (orchestra) and the seating section (auditorium). vomitoria or entrances and exits were made available to the audience. [3]

The auditorium, the area in which people gathered, was sometimes constructed on a small hill or slope in which stacked seating could be easily made in the tradition of the Greek Theatres. The central part of the auditorium was hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. This was of course not always the case as Romans tended to build their theatres regardless of the availability of hill sides. All theatres built within the city of Rome were completely man made without the use of earthin works. The auditorium was not roofed; rather, awnings, vela, could be pulled overhead to provide shelter from rain or sunlight.[4]

Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which it was erected concluded. This practice was due to a moratorium on permanent theatre structures that lasted until 55 BC when the Theatre of Pompey was built with the addition of a temple to avoid the law. Some Roman theatres show signs of never being completed in the first place. [5]

Inside of Rome, few theatres survived the 20 some odd centuries since their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. Arausio, the theatre in modern day Orange, France, is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented scaenae frons, reminiscent of Western Roman theatre designs, however missing the more ornamental structure. The Arausio is still standing today having had its seating reconstructed, with its amazing structural acoustics, making it a marvel even today of Roman architecture. [6]

Partial list

Algeria

Roman theatre of Guelma

Bulgaria

France

File:Arles Roman amphitheatre pillar ruins.jpg
Ruins at the Roman theatre of Arles

Germany

  • Mainz, Theatrum Mogontiacensium

Italy

The Roman theatre at Fiesole, Tuscany is still used.

Israel

Jordan

Libya

Spain

Switzerland

Syria

Turkey

References

  1. ^ Jones, Mark Wilson Principles of Roman Architecture. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000.
  2. ^ Jones, Mark Wilson Principles of Roman Architecture. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000.
  3. ^ Ros, K. E. "The Roman theater at Carthage [the theater's substructures, plan and the identification of architectural elements]". American Journal of Archaeology v. 100 (July 1996) p. 449-89 <http://aal20.tutor.com/nGEN/Apps/SocWeb/main.aspx?ID=31f861c5-766a-45e7-9439-b8f088310911%20>
  4. ^ Richard Allan Tomlinson "theatres (Greek and Roman), structure" The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 1998. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Northwestern University. 11 May 2007 <http://www.oxfordreference.com.turing.library.northwestern.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t133.e619>
  5. ^ Campbell, Constance. "The Uncompleted Theatres of Rome," The Johns Hopkins University Press. Theatre Journal 55.1 (2003) 67-79 10 May 2007 <http://muse.jhu.edu.turing.library.northwestern.edu/journals/theatre_journal/v055/55.1campbell.html>
  6. ^ Richard Allan Tomlinson "theatres (Greek and Roman), structure" The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 1998. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Northwestern University. 11 May 2007 <http://www.oxfordreference.com.turing.library.northwestern.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t133.e619>


See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Roman theatres.
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