Theatres - Pompeii - Large theatre and gladiatorial barracks Flashcards
When was the large theatre provided?
2nd century BC
Was it introduced by the greeks or the romans?
Greeks (so it was pre-roman)
When was it rebuilt?
80 BC
Why was it rebuilt?
When the township became a Roman colony
What was the theatre beside?
The original greek forum
What was it built into?
A hillside
What was the original capacity?
3,000
How much capacity did the romans add?
2,000
What else did the Romans add?
Provision of new access at top and the removal of the gathering piazza outside to provide gladiatorial barracks
Why were gladiatorial barracks provided?
To support the new amphitheatre
What three sections is the theatre divided into to?
The cave, the orchestra and entrance on either side and the stage
What style does the theatre conform to?
Greek style
How high was the stage compared to the level of the orchestra?
1m above
Where did the spectators sit?
The cavea
Where does the cavea lie?
On the slope of the hill
What three semi-circular sections are the seats arranged in?
Ima cavea, media cavea and summa cavea
Who sat at the ima cavea?
Members of the city council, the decurions
What did the media cavea contain?
Twenty rows of marble seats arranged like steps
How was the upper section supported?
A vault over the corridor
What was the upper section called?
Summa cavea
How many rows of seats could the summa cavea contain?
No more than 4 rows
How big is the stage?
120 by 14 - long and narrow
How was it entered?
There were many entrances; one being from the triangular forum
How did it ensure safety?
Adding top tier access from old forum to access points in lower tiers
How did it deal with the weather?
Cover provided by awnings on temporary basis
What is a benefit of its small capacity?
Safe
