Odeion of Herodes Atticus - Roman Theater

The principles of Roman theater construction were quite different from the Greek, as is exemplified in the Odeion of Herodes Atticus. The auditorium (cavea) was exactly semicircular, the side entrances were vaulted over, and the stage, which in the later period was increased in height, was backed by an elaborate stage wall (scenae frons) of several tiers.

It was lavishly decked with columns and statues, which rose to the same height as the top rows of seats or the enclosure wall of the auditorium. The auditorium and the stage thus formed an architectural unity, and the theater became a totally enclosed space. The theater was open to the sky, but an odeion (odeon), intended for musical performances, would be roofed.

The 32 steeply raked rows of seating in the Odeion of Herodes Atticus (recently restored with a facing of white marble) could accommodate an audience of 5,000.

The structure, which was incorporated in the defenses of the medieval castle, is in such an excellent state of preservation that it is used during the Athens Festival every summer for dramatic performances and concerts by leading Greek and European artistes.