The two centers of entertainment in Pompeii were the Amphitheater, located in the eastern part of the city, and the Theaters located further west, near Port Stabiana.
From the VI century BC. C. Greeks used natural slopes were used to construct the stands. In Pompeii the neighborhood of the theaters included several important buildings.
The Teatro Grande is dated the second century BC. It has preserved its original appearance despite the constant remakes, including the restoration of the Augustan age. The scene that was originally with floors in imitation of the front of a building, was entirely rebuilt after the damage reported by the earthquake of 62 AD. C. In the Augustan era were built parodoi, side aisles covered access to the orchestra, gaining on them of the boxes (tribunalia) for guests of honor. One of parodoi is connected to a courtyard with a staircase leading to the Triangular Forum.
The cavea (tiers) is divided into three areas, that were said: ima reserved for senators, media to the guilds of the middle class, and summa for the populace.
This theater could accommodate about 5000 spectators, was restored during the Bourbon age and has, unfortunately, recently had a questionable vigorous action.
Book your tour in Pompeii now!
The Odeion or Small Theatre, formed a homogeneous group with the Teatro Grande, it could accommodate about 500 spectators, was smaller then the previous and covered with a roof. Was used for musical auditions, although some recent speculations recognize it as a building for political meetings. The construction of the building around 80 BC was financed by the two magistrates C. Q. Valgus and M. Porcius. Even here there were tribunalia intended for privileged spectators, and the auditorium was divided into three sectors. The decorations were very elegant, it is shown by the marbled orchestra and the two stone telamons found on the steps.
Pompeii and Herculaneum tours with an archaeologist 