Why was the Epidaurus Theater Important?
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.
Why was the theater of Epidaurus built?
The Theatre at Epidaurus survived many years to reach us today. It was originally built to honor Asklepios, but its later additions, such as the two-story skene, suggest that it was used for conventional plays that were imported from Athens.
How old is the Epidaurus Theater?
Built in 340 BC, the theater seats about 13,000 spectators. It was built in two phases – one during the 4th century BC and the second in the mid-2nd century – and divided into two parts: one for citizens and one for priests and authorities.
Why is the theater of Epidaurus The most famous?
It was built on the slope of the mountain northeast from the Sanctuary of Asklepios, god of Medicine, and it became famous since that time for being the prettiest of all the Greek theatres, known also for its almost perfect acoustics.
How was the theater of Epidaurus built?
The Theater of Epidaurus was built in the 4th century BC by Polykleitos the Younger on the slope of Mount Kynortio at an incline of 26 degrees. Due to its excellent acoustics and condition, this ancient theater is still used today.
What was the theater of Epidaurus made of?
The Epidaurus theatre is one of the best preserved theatres in Greece. The main materials used for its construction were limestone and poros stone. Originally, its capacity was around 8,000 people, but it increased in the 2nd century BC. It is estimated that it could fit audiences of 13,000-14,000 people.
What is the meaning of Epidaurus?
Epidaurus. / (ˌɛpɪˈdɔːrəs, Greek ɛpiˈðaʊrɔs) / noun. an ancient port in Greece, in the NE Peloponnese, in Argolis on the Saronic Gulf.
When was the Epidaurus Theatre 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.
Why was Epidaurus popular in ancient Greece?
The history of Epidaurus is strongly associated with the healing god Asklepios. According to ancient Greek mythology, Epidaurus was the birthplace of Asklepios, the healing god, and son of Apollo. In fact, Epidaurus is home to the most popular healing center of antiquity.