The Theatre at Aphrodisias
The Hellenistic city of Aphrodisias, situated on the verge of the Meander River Valley, was named for Aphrodite, the goddess of love; although the city was inhabited as early as 2700 BC, the ruins we see today in Aphrodisias date from the third century BC and reflect the influence of Rome from the first century BC to the seventh century AD when an earthquake made it uninhabitable. The city established itself as an artistic centre; during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, sculptures in marble from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world.
The theatre was built on the eastern slope of the city and is situated adjacent to the South Agora, or public square of the ancient city; it was ideally located for public performances, forums and blood sports.
The original theatre dates from the late Hellenistic period, but it was extensively renovated between 38 and 28 BC; it was dedicated to Aphrodite and to the Demos (people). The renovation included a three-story stage building and marble prohedria (seats for wealthy and aristocratic guests) in the front row.
The theatre underwent another phase of construction sometime during the reigns of Claudius and Nero (40-68 AD). Inscriptions from this period show that an entrance, the two parodoi (side entrances into the orchestra of the theatre), the analemmata (retaining walls) of the cavea and possibly a third set of seats above the second diazoma (horizontal walkway separating sections of cavea seating) were built.
In the late 2nd century AD, under Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD), the theatre was further renovated to make the space suitable for gladiator contests. The orchestra was expanded by removing the first two or three rows of seats and a high wall was built around the orchestra with wood or iron railings on top to protect spectators in the front rows.
The two covered parodoi and the central arched entrance in the skene led directly to the Agora. When the theatre was used for political gatherings, politicians could speak to the cavea or turn around and speak to those gathered in the public square of the city.
Later, the orchestra was lowered and a water channel was dug around its edge to facilitate cleaning following fights. The theatre continued to be used through the early Byzantine period, when chapels were built at each end of the proskenion. The theatre collapsed in an earthquake in the 7th century and was never repaired. The site was used as a fort during the Byzantine period; later houses were built on top of the rubble.
PS If you are curious about what is meant by Hellenistic, please check Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_period
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