Amphitheaters

=Greek Amphitheaters =

Greek Amphitheaters were the modern day movie theaters for the Ancient Greeks. They had many famous amphitheaters but the most famous was Epidaurus. Epidaurus was not only used as a theater in Ancient Greece, it is also used today for entertainment. The theaters were very well thought out peices of architecture and very detailed. The Greeks came to watch these performances every day and saw many different kinds of performances.(Greek Drama, page 326-327)(Bowra page 148-149)

The Amphitheater
The theaters were outdoor autitoriums, where large audiences sat upon stone benches. The starting time of the performances were at daybreak. Often the citizens would sit through three trageties, a satyr play, and a comedy. Greek theaters were so large that it was hard to communicate moods and feelings to distant spectators. Masks were used to instantly identify the character as old or young, man or women, happy or sad. (Bowra page 148-149) (Greek Drama, page 326-327) Further to create a larger than life appearance, the actors were equipped with thick soled boots and robes with sleeves. They also equipped funnel shaped mouths that acted as megophones to project the voice.(Greek Drama 326-327) There was a rolling contrivance that was used to simulate indoor scenes in an outdoor theater. There was a circular orchestra, or "dancing place" where the actors, chorus, and orchestra performed. The orchestra is approximatly sixty six feet in diameter. Surrounding the orchestra were wooden benches for the audience.(Bowra 148-149) == (full view of Epidaurus from far away)

**Epidaurus**
Epidaurus is the most famous Amphitheater in all of Greece. At Epidaurus, there are fifty five semi-circular rows. On the far side of the orchestra, was the stage building, or skene(meaning tent). This was a coverd structure, originaly a temporary wooden buliding, where the actors stored their masks and costumes. The actors made quick changes out of the audiences sight. The original stage buildings were relatively low, rectangular structures with large central doors. Possibly two other doors flanking the central one, a flat roof on which actors could appear, and possibly a higher platform.("Ancient Greece") (close up picture of Epidaurus) = What Makes Epidaurus Unique = For a long time, many people wondered why you could hear the music perfectly when your siting in the back of Epidaurus. Reaserchers at the Georgia Institute of technolody found out the answer. The seats are mad of limestone, they for an "efficient acoustic filter that hushes low frequency" The seats reflect the high frequency noises of the performers on stage off the back and back toward the seated audience, carrying an actors voice all the way to the back rows of the theater. ("Ancient Greek Amphitheater- Why You Can Hear From Back Row")("Ancient Greece")

All and all, the ancient Greek Amphitheaters are truly amazing pieces of architecture. Everything that was put into these amphitheaters was very well thought out, and its incredible that Epidaurus can still be used today. Not only can you still enjoy the beauty of Epidaurus, but in the summer you can still watch ancient greek plays go on, and even if you are siting in the back seat, you can still hear the performers perfectly.

media type="youtube" key="vNAM3PzGcow" height="315" width="420"