Major Theaters
The Theater of Epidaurus
4th Century BCE
The Theater of Epidaurus is still used today because a large portion of the theater still exists along with its incredible acoustics. The theater was designed by Polykleitos the Younger and located in Epidaurus, Greece. The theater was mainly used by the cult of Asklepios, where they put on religous and artistic competitions. All that is left of the skene is the foundation, which is enough to tell that there was a stone skene rather than a wooden one. The acoustics are still studied today as they are so impressive. There is still a lot of controversy regarding who built the theater and when it was built. It is believed that Polykleitos built the theater, yet if this was the same Polykleitos who carved the Doryphoros or a man by the same name who lived later is still under debate.
The Theater of Dionysus
6th Century BCE
6th Century BCE
The Theater of Dionysus is located in Athens and was used primarily for large performances having to do with religious festivals. Two major festivals occurred in Athens, drawing large crowds from all over Greece to watch performances as a part of competitions for the gods. The skene was temporary and built out of wood, and then torn down a rebuilt for each individual festival. The skene could be specialized for each festival and the specific performances that were being put on. A permanent skene was erected later in construction. The theater was then reconstructed in the Hellenistic period, but the year of that reconstruction is heavily debated.
Theater at Pergamon
3rd Century
Less is known about the Theater at Pergamon because it was not as well known as the two previously discussed. The Theater of Pergamon is unique in its location on such a steep slope. The physical landscape where theaters were built have a huge impact on their structure and acoustics. The Theater at Pergamon never had a permanent skene constructed, which may have be affected by the steep slope or the beautiful scenery that stretched beyond the theater.
3rd Century
Less is known about the Theater at Pergamon because it was not as well known as the two previously discussed. The Theater of Pergamon is unique in its location on such a steep slope. The physical landscape where theaters were built have a huge impact on their structure and acoustics. The Theater at Pergamon never had a permanent skene constructed, which may have be affected by the steep slope or the beautiful scenery that stretched beyond the theater.
