The ancient Greek open air theaters

greek-theaters

One of the many contributions of the Ancient Greece to western civilization is the Theater. Today we are going to see how were the ancient greek theaters, the venues where tragedies and comedies were staged, the stage for dances and religious rituals. All Greek cities had a theater, since this was a fundamental space for recreation and participation for citizens of any polis.

The first Greek theaters were located near the temples, since they were originally used to celebrate religious ceremonies. Its primitive structure was very simple, although with time they were developed until reaching the form that we know today.

It is in classical times, between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries BC, when the Greek theater acquires its definitive structure. With a semicircular shape, open to the sky and always located in places with a lot of space. The increasing influx of public forced to the construction of bleachers and other additional structures.

There is an important difference between Greek and Roman theaters. The latter were built on flat ground and their steps were built by means of vaults and arches. Greek theaters, on the other hand, were better integrated into the environment. They were built taking advantage of the terrain, for example on the slopes of a hill. Later, mounds of earth were built specifically designed to seat the stands on them.

It was in these wonderful spaces that the ancient Greeks were able to enjoy tragedies for the first time. Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, although also of the irreverent comedies of Aristophanes.

Acoustics

One of the most surprising characteristics of Greek theaters is its spectacular acoustics. This says a lot about those who designed and built these enclosures, making use of truly advanced technical knowledge for their time.

The largest theaters could hold up to 18.000 spectators. For reasons of space, many of them were forced to occupy locations quite far from the scene. And yet the voices of the actors, the music and the songs of the choir reached them with total clarity.

greek theater sound

Ancient Greek theaters were designed with particular attention to acoustics

The best known example of this is found in the Theater of Epidaurus (in the image that heads the post), located about 70 kilometers south of Athens. There it is customary to amaze visitors with a simple practical demonstration: they are invited to take a seat in the places furthest from the stands and to remain silent. Next, on a stone slab of the stage (skene) a coin is dropped, the sound of which falls perfectly to the ears of all spectators, wherever they are sitting.

The most recent studies on acoustics indicate that the key is not only in the successful design of the enclosure, but also in the limestone rock of the seats of the stands, capable of absorbing sound waves below 500 Hz.

Structure and parts of Greek theaters

Greek theaters were made up of three main elements: koilon orchestra y skene, in addition to a series of auxiliary elements.

parts of greek theaters

Greek theater structure

koilon

It is the semicircle formed by the steps, where the audience sat. In later times it was called theater, a word from which the current term "theater" derives. Like today's theaters and stadiums, it was divided into sectors separated by corridors.

In the early days people sat directly on the ground. Later, stone seats were built and, for the first rows, more comfortable wooden seats.

Orchestra

Space where the choir and the dances. Actually around the orchestra the rest of the structure was born. In the early days a small altar to perform sacrificeto the gods before the performance.

Generally the orchestra I had circular shape and it was separated from the stands by a low wall.

Skene

La skene (scene), where the actores, was incorporated into the structure when the first theatrical works began to be represented. Its shape was narrow and elongated, usually raised above the orchestra, so that it would be fully visible to all the public.

Many theaters had a structure behind the skene call Paraskenya. Above her stretched the pinakes, artificial decoration to represent different scenarios, as is done in today's theater.

Other elements of Greek theaters

In addition to these basic structural parts, Greek theaters could have other minor or additional elements such as the following:

  • Diazome: concentric corridor that separated the stands in height and allowed spectators to access their seats.
  • Obskenion: space behind the Skené, usually hidden from the viewer's eyes. It was used by the actors to change clothes.
  • parodoi: corridors through which the actors entered the scene.
  • Proskenion: space located in front of the Skené, decorated with statues and plants.

The best preserved Greek theaters

Are there still some ancient Greek theaters that we can admire and study? Fortunately, yes, although many have also disappeared. These are some of the best preserved:

Theater of Epidaurus

Mentioned above and noted for its acoustics, the theater of Epidaurus is probably the most famous of the ancient Greek theaters that are known. It is located northeast of the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece and was built in the 14.000th century BC. C. It could hold up to 1988 spectators. It has been part of the World Heritage Site since XNUMX.

ancient greek theater in delphi

Delphi Theater

Delphi Theater

Closely linked to worship of the god Apollo and Oracle of Delphi. This marvelous 5.000-seat theater offered its spectators a fabulous panoramic view of the Cirra Valley. In addition to theatrical performances, it also hosted other shows and celebrations related to the Pythian Games.

greek theater in athens

Theater of Dionysus, in Athens

Theater of Dionysus in Athens

El Theater of Dionysus is situated on the southwestern slope of the Athenian AcropolisThis was the largest theater in the Greek world, with a capacity of almost 18.000 spectators. As its name indicates, it was raised to offer dances and performances in honor of the god Dionysus. The koilon and orchestra They have been recently renovated, but their original structure is still intact.


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