What was the theater of Epidaurus used for?
Originally the theatre had 34 rows of seats divided into 34 blocks by stairs and walkways. It is situated near the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, a celebrated healing center of the classical world. It was used as a therapeutic and religious center dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing.
Is the theatre of Epidaurus still in use?
Probably the most beautiful and best preserved of its kind, the theater of Epidaurus was built in the 4th century BC by Polykleitos the Younger. Due to its excellent acoustics and condition, the ancient theater is still used today, most notably under the framework of the annual Epidaurus Festival.
Why is the great theater of Epidaurus important?
History of Epidaurus theatre Supporting the belief that dramatic shows were beneficial for both mental and physical health, the great theatre of Epidaurus was also used for the healing of patients from all over Greece.
What was the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus made of?
limestone
Originally, the Theatre had 34 rows of limestone seats, divided into 12 sections and it could seat about 6000 persons. It was extended in the 2nd c. BCE with the addition of 21 rows, divided into 22 sections, to double the original seating capacity.
What did the theatre mean for the ancient Greeks?
The Ancient Greeks took their entertainment very seriously and used drama as a way of investigating the world they lived in, and what it meant to be human. The three genres of drama were comedy, satyr plays, and most important of all, tragedy. The first master of comedy was the playwright Aristophanes.
Why was Epidaurus popular in ancient Greece?
Famous as an important healing center, the Asklepieion of Epidaurus used to gather sick people from all over Greece. These games would take place in the stadium of Epidaurus and the theatrical performances in the Ancient Theatre were part of religious festivities.
How can you describe the Greek theater Epidaurus?
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a theatre in the Greek city of Epidaurus, located on the southeast end of the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. It is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics.
How can you describe the Greek Theater Epidaurus?
How did Greek Theatre start?
Greek theatre began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theatre.
What was the purpose of Greek Theatre?
Greek plays were performed as part of religious festivals in honor of the god Dionysus, and unless later revived, were performed only once. Plays were funded by the polis, and always presented in competition with other plays, and were voted either the first, second, or third (last) place.
When was the Theatre of Epidaurus discovered?
The area surrounding the theatre of Epidaurus was famous in ancient times for being a celebrated healing center dedicated to Askleipios, the god of healing. The theatre of the city of Epidaurus was discovered in 1970 and fully excavated in 1989. The theatre was designed by Polykleitos in the 4th century BC.
What is Greek Theatre known for?
When was the theatre of Epidaurus built in Athens?
The famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus was constructed in the late 4th century BC, around the time when Athens was flourishing in art, philosophy, science and of course theatre and can seat more than 12,000 spectators. It is regarded as the best preserved theatre in Greece and famous for its exemplary acoustics. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
How many plays were performed at the Epidaurus Festival?
Since 1938, hundreds of theatrical plays have been performed, and in 1954, the famous Epidaurus Festival, now called the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, was launched. Held every summer, the event features both acclaimed dramas from the past and contemporary plays that are performed not only in Athens but also the ancient theater.
Where was the city of Epidaurus in ancient Greece?
Location within the region. Epidaurus (/ˌɛpɪˈdɔːrəs/; Ancient Greek: Ἐπίδαυρος Epidauros) was a small city (polis) in ancient Greece, on the Argolid Peninsula at the Saronic Gulf. Two modern towns bear the name Epidavros (Greek: Επίδαυρος): Palaia Epidavros and Nea Epidavros.
Which is the best preserved theatre in Greece?
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure. It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages.