Roman Theater (structure)

Roman theatres derive from and are part of the overall evolution of earlier Greek theatres. Indeed, much of the architectural influence the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as generally being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides.

Buildings

Roman theatres were built in all areas of the Empire, from 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.

Similarities exist between the theatres and amphitheaters 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. 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, pantomimes, choral events, orations, and commerce. Their design, with its semicircular form, enhances the natural acoustics, unlike Roman amphitheatres constructed in the round.

These buildings were semi-circular and possessed certain inherent architectural structures, 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 ''proscenium''. The Roman theatre also had a ''podium'', which sometimes supported the columns of the ''scaenae frons''. The theatre itself was divided into the stage (''orchestra'') and the seating section (''cavea''). The ''cavea'' 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 center of the ''cavea'' was hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. This was not always the case as Romans tended to build their theatres regardless of the availability of hillsides. All theatres built within the city of Rome were completely man-made without the use of earthworks. The ''cavea'' was not roofed, rather, awnings (''vela'') could be pulled overhead to provide shelter from rain or sunlight.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. '' Vomitoria'', passages situated below or behind a tier of seats, were made available to the audience.

Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which they were 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 having been completed in the first place., Constance Campbell
"The Uncompleted Theatres of Rome"
The Johns Hopkins University Press. ''Theatre Journal'' 55.1 (2003) 67–79 10 May 2007.

Inside Rome, few theatres have survived the centuries following their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. The Roman Theatre of Orange in modern Orange, France, is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented ''scaenae frons'', reminiscent of why Western Roman theatre designs, however, stripped of its ornamental stone columns and statues.

Gallery

File:Aspendos_Amphitheatre.jpg, Well preserved Roman theatre of Aspendos
File:Merida Roman Theatre1.jpg, Roman Theatre (Mérida)
File:Le Théâtre Antique d'Orange, 2007.jpg, Roman Theatre of Orange, France
File:Palmira Teatro romano - GAR - 7-01.jpg, Roman Theatre at Palmyra
File:Bulgaria Bulgaria-0785 - Roman Theatre of Philippopolis (7432772486).jpg, Plovdiv Roman theatre, Bulgaria

See also

*List of Roman theatres
* Theatre of ancient Rome
* Roman architecture

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roman Theatre
Roman theatres
Theatre