ancient theatre of epidaurus facts

It is built on the west side of Cynortion Mountain, near modern Lygourio, and belongs to the Epidaurus Municipality. This place is definitely swarming with a lot of tourists since it … As the theatre was built after the classical times, not a single original ancient drama had been presented there, but all performances were repetitions of classic plays. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is the crown of cultural activity in Greece during the summer months and remains to this day one of the most important and globally recognizable monuments of antiquity. Theatres of the ancient Greek world were constructed outdoors, often on mountain slopes. Written by GreekBoston.com in About Epidaurus, Greece, Ancient Greek History Comments Off on History of the Ancient Theater at Epidaurus (Epidavros). The site closes at 20.00 in summer, and at 17.00 in winter (November – March). Epidaurus Amphitheatre Photo by: *clairity*, Creative Commons View Larger Map Argolis Prefecture, Peloponnese – this is the way you should find in order for you to visit the Ancient Epidaurus Little Theatre. If you are planning to visit, make sure you set some time aside to explore it properly. It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages. How many days in Santorini do you really need? He uncovered all the important monuments in the area, although he was later accused of not being careful with them, causing them considerable damage. It was built by the architect Polykleitos on the side of a mountain and overlooking the sanctuary of Asklepius. Designed by the architect Polykleitos the Younger during the fourth century BC, the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the best-kept amphitheatres in Greece.Nowadays, the ancient theatre is beautifully conserved and offers great acoustics. Built in the late 4th century BC, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is considered the most perfect Greek theatre in form, acoustics and size, and it is used even until today. The nearby odeon was constructed during the Roman Era and was used for performances. This is not exactly helpful, so let’s set things straight! It was built during the late 4th century … The Theatre of Epidaurus On February 10, 2017 | 0 Comments 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 . Theater was a big part of the culture in Ancient Greece. An interesting three-day tour to the most famous archaeological sites of Greece: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi. For example, the grand statue of Zeus in Ancient Olympia was one of the seven wonders of the world. We should note that the Asklepieion in Epidaurus was not the only one in Greece. I’m not a historian – archaeologist, but I’m really interested in our ancient civilization. This place is definitely swarming with a lot of tourists since it … Asklepios would visit them in their dreams, often providing a remedy for their ailments. For most visitors, the main attraction in the archaeological site is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. The Great Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Top Greek islands & Mainland Destinations, Popular Greek islands & mainland destinations. As for its location, the word “impressive” is really an understatement. About Epidaurus. Location: Ancient Site The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure.It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages. It was celebrated as the site of the temple of Asclepius [1], which dates from the 4th cent. Ancient Greek theatre layout. If you are planning to visit on a summer weekend, plan your accommodation in advance. However, few people realize that Ancient Epidaurus was a lot more than this. It is said that people sitting in the furthest back row can hear the performers just as well as someone sitting a breath away from the stage. It is estimated that it could fit audiences of 13,000-14,000 people. Epidaurus became known in the entire ancient Greek world for the holy sanctuary of Asklepios, which was considered the most marvelous of all sanctuaries in Greece.Beautifully surrounded by the verdant landscape, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus is one of the best-preserved monuments in the world, and the finest example of ancient Greek architecture, dedicated to Asklepios. The temple of Asklepios was probably destroyed in the 5th century AD, and only a few ruins are visible today. It was rediscovered and first excavated towards the late 18th century. After being purified with holy water, they were led to an area where they would be able to sleep. If you are planning to see a performance in the theatre, note that these typically start at 21.00. In 1955, the Greek government founded the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which takes place every summer. The theatre is surrounded by the typical Peloponnesian landscape, and the area is surprisingly calm if you visit off-season. The theatre is surrounded by lush greenery, an integral part of the theatre itself. You will notice that there is a lot more than just the theatre in the area. This famous ancient theatre distinguishes for its architectural symmetry and the great acoustics. Patients and pilgrims travelled from far and wide to be treated. And here is a short bio! Electra forms part of the Athens and Epidaurus festival programme for 2018. The temple was made out of limestone, and a gold-and-ivory chryselephantine statue of Asklepios was placed inside. Similarly to Ancient Olympia, this is where athletic games were held to honour Asklepios. tourist attractions in greece- Epidaurus Ancient greece-Facts on Greece-Epidaurus theatre, Sophocles, Aristophanes,greek drama,archeology Epidaurus The Sanctuary of Asklepeios , dedicated to the healer god Asklepeios, was formed mainly during the 3rd and 4th BC, and used to serve as a healing centre as well as a religious centre. History of the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus . Designed by the architect Polykleitos the Younger during the fourth century BC, the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the best-kept amphitheatres in Greece. A few decades before the theatre was constructed, the site was already an Asklepieion, a sanctuary of Asklepios. as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure. The fact that this ancient theatre can still effectively facilitate such events is astonishing; sitting in the crowd will give you a glimpse into antiquity as you will be sitting exactly where the ancient Greeks did in the 4th century B.C!The functionality of Epidaurus is what makes this ancient site a modern miracle. Written in the shadow of the Peloponnesian War, Electra is one of Sophocles’ most brutal plays and will be performed at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. For centuries the monument remained covered by a slope of trees until the year 1881, when several excavations took place. You can easily visit the ancient site on your own. The ancient theatre of Epidaurus was designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BC. Then the upper tier with an additional 21 rows was built in the second century B.C so that the theatre could accommodate an audience of up to 14,000. The main materials used were limestone and poros. If you have been to other museums in Athens or Greece, you may find this museum a little old-fashioned. Do you like In ancient times, visitors to Epidaurus would have approached the Asclepieion from its north end, not from the south as today. I am Vanessa from Athens, and I really enjoy helping visitors find out more about Greece. There are also statues, sculptures, figurines and ruins of the ancient buildings. Required fields are marked *. The sanctuary of Epidaurus (Επίδαυρος, also transliterated as Epidaurus) was named after the god of medicine, Asklepios, and pilgrims came from all over the Mediterranean seeking healing for their ailments through physical and spiritual means. Beautifully surrounded by the verdant landscape, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus is one of the best-preserved monuments in the world, and the finest example of ancient Greek architecture, dedicated to Asklepios. Located on the fertile plain of Argolida, in the eastern part of Peloponnese, the Gradually, the healing powers of Asklepios became more and more famous. Greater emphasis was placed on harmonic geometry, with a 9.8m circular orchestra of limestone that was not typical of ancient theaters. Recent research shows that it was a banqueting hall, where ceremonial meals were served in the presence of Asklepios. In 1938, Sophocles’ ‘Electra’, a Greek tragedy, was performed here – first one since ancient times. When a solution wasn’t possible through dreaming, patients had to further consult the priests of Asklepios. Check out the Greek Festival’s official website for more information. “The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is the most perfect theatre in the world in terms of aesthetics and acoustics,” stated the University of Patras in its most recent study. Performances are held during Greece’s biggest cultural festival, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. As early as 1936, plays were being performed at the Epidaurus Theatre, including those by Sophocles and Euripides. More information on Epidaurus, the Theatre and the Asklepieion during the Ancient World can be found in Pausanias’s Travel Guide of course.. A lot has been written about the architecture of Ancient Greek theatres. The theatre is surrounded by the typical Peloponnesian landscape, and the area is surprisingly calm if you visit off … What we found extremely interesting were the ancient inscriptions, indicating the healing powers of Asklepios. The biggest construction in the Asklepieion was a large guesthouse with 160 rooms, known as the Katagogio. Interestingly, the ancient Greeks believed that artistic performances could improve the physical and psychological health of patients. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. Since you are here, you will probably enjoy my article about Ancient theatres in Greece! Epidaurus is an archaeological site, covering the ruins of an ancient healing center, temples and a limestone theater. I was absolutely fascinated with the story behind Ancient Epidaurus and the Asklepieion, and I hope you will be too! Epidaurus Theatre This is one of the best preserved, and arguably one of the most beautiful Greek theaters. Over the years, the festival has hosted both Greek and foreign artists. As mentioned above, the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus has been hosting performances since the mid-1950s. The Roman theatre of ancient Arausio (modern day Orange in southern France) is one of the best-preserved examples from antiquity. theatre was built in honor of god Dionysus to host religious/worship ceremonies. The theatre’s design, which was unique in Greece, aimed to enhance the viewing experience. In order for the audience to move around, several corridors separated the rows of seats into smaller sections. Greek cats – Beautiful, independent, happy, unique! In some regions, it was believed that Asklepios could even bring people back from the Underworld. The History of the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Just like the ancient Great Panathenaia in Athens, the Great Asklepieia included athletic competition, music, drama and rhapsody contests. The form and material of Epidaurus’ Theatre characterize it as one of the most authentic among the known theatres of the ancient world. Since 1938, when modern dramas started to be presented again in the theatre, it has hosted hundreds of plays. Since 1954, it has been used for various open-air performances. They are both lovely for a night or a few days. As for its location, the word “impressive” is really an understatement. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus features primarily ancient tragedies and comedies by established Greek and international directors. Our advice is to not worry too much about the performance itself. Our services are rated Several sanctuaries of Asklepios existed in different areas, operating as healing institutions in a similar manner. The Theatre of Epidaurus has a 20-meter wide circular orchestra, 55 rows and a seating capacity of up to 14,000 people. Article by Mark Cartwright Nowadays, the ancient theatre is beautifully conserved and offers great acoustics.It is still used during the Athens Summer Festival. For most visitors, the main attraction in the archaeological site is the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. We already mentioned the temple of Asklepios, where the ancient god of medicine was worshipped. It was built circa 340-330 BC west of mount Kynortios by the architect Polykleitos the Younger. The Theatre of Epidaurus is preserved almost intact to our day, with minor restorations, it still hosts theatrical performances. The Stadium … The original plan had the first 34 rows. It seems that no particular effort has been made to bring it up to modern standards. The ancient mystery surrounding the great acoustics of the theater at Epidaurus in Greece has been solved. Alongside the ancient site, visitors can also spend some time in the museum of Ancient Epidaurus. Read reviews about our services. His cult followed that of his father, Apollo Maleatas, who was known to cure the diseased since around 1000 BC. While most of the remaining ancient theaters have suffered partial destruction or undergone reconstruction, the Epidaurus theater has remained intact down through the centuries because it was safely covered by more than 20 feet [6 m] of soil. Who would have thought! Virtually undamaged, it still hosts performances and concerts during the summer months. This is undoubtedly related to the presence of therapeutic springs in the area. Alternatively, you can at least combine it with a couple more attractions, such as Mycenae or Ancient Olympia. It is located circa 30 km from Nafplio and 4 km from Ligourio, while since 1988, it is included in the list of world heritage sites of UNESCO. If you have a car, worth visiting is also the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus: Located at the port of Ancient Epidaurus, this 4th century B.C. Epidaurus, in ancient Greece, important commercial centre on the eastern coast of the Argolid in the northeastern Peloponnese; it is famed for its 4th-century-bce temple of Asclepius, the god of healing. The Theatre of Epidaurus itself is a work of art, built in two stages. This is a much greater archaeological complex, with several other places of interest. Today I found out about the amazing acoustics of the ancient Epidaurus Theatre. If you have a car, worth visiting is also the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus: Located at the port of Ancient Epidaurus, this 4th century B.C. For example, you can see the “temple of Asklepios at Epidaurus” and the “Stadium of the Asclepieion of Epidaurus”. Note that there are also performances in the nearby Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus. Apart from Apollo’s temple, there was also one dedicated to the goddess Artemis. This triumph of early theatre still stands as a model for today’s performance halls. So much so that there was also once a stadium, athletes’ quarters and a large theatre. Originally, its capacity was around 8,000 people, but it was expanded in the 2nd century BC. The exhibits in the museum range from the Archaic period to the Roman era. theatre was built in honor of god Dionysus to host religious/worship ceremonies. . The famous ancient theatre of Epidaurus was constructed in the late 4th century BC, around the time when Athens was flourishing in art, philosophy, science, and of course theatre, and can seat more than 12,000 spectators. The incredible acoustics of the Epidaurus ancient theater have been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the theater’s life. Pausanias visited the Epidaurus Theatre in the mid-2nd century AD, that is to say at least four centuries after the completion of the second phase of construction, and expressed his infinite admiration for its symmetry and beauty. This is also why Epidaurus is relevant to us today, as theater drama and musical art is secular and entertainment-based. The original 34 rows were extended in Roman times by another 21 rows. As mentioned earlier, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus was built during the Hellenistic times, in 340 – 330 BC. Quick Facts. Epidaurus was named after the hero Epidauros, son of Apollo. If you are visiting Greece in summer, you should aim to see a performance in the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus. Extensive restoration works have been performed, and the ancient theatre is almost fully recovered. Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplio full day private tour from Athens (From US$164.73) Athens Super Saver: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour plus Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip (From US$184.49) See all The Great Theatre of Epidaurus experiences on Tripadvisor The Epidaurus Ancient Theatre owes its excellent acoustics to its geometrically perfect design. If you type in “Epidaurus” in google maps, you will be directed to an area in the Peloponnese. Location: Ancient Site The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is regarded as the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece in terms of its perfect acoustics and fine structure.It was constructed in the late 4th century BC and it was finalized in two stages. Capacity: 2,000. However, Asklepios wasn’t the first god worshipped in this area. Alongside the temple and the theatre, the complex included a stadium. In our opinion, however, it’s best to spend a few days in the Peloponnese. As for its world-famous acoustics, they still impress visitors in this day and age. Even after two and a half thousand years of cosmogony, people seem to return every single summer in Epidaurus. Epidaurus (ĕpĬdôr´É™s), ancient city of Greece, on an inlet of the Saronic Gulf, NE Peloponnesus. Ancient theatre of Epidaurus - 1892. Maybe drama and art therapy aren’t as new as we thought! Soon however, the day drew to a close and as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we had to make our way back to our bus, but not before making a quick last-minute rush to the site gift store to buy souvenirs of our visit. In this case, you want to look for “Ancient theatre of the Asklepieion at Epidaurus”. The region of Epidaurus is 160 kms away from Athens, and you can comfortably drive there in about two hours. In turn, Apollo Maleatas had replaced the earlier deity of Malos / Maleatas, worshipped during the Mycenean era. Nowadays, it mainly hosts performances by emerging Greek and international artists with a more alternative take on ancient Greek drama. Another important building was the Stoa of the Abaton, also known as the Enkoimeterion, where patients were brought for therapy. The actors can be perfectly heard by all 15,000 spectators without amplification. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus features remarkable acoustic technology that hasn't been replicated. It had a capacity of 13,000 spectators. Later during the Roman times 21 more rows were added. Rediscovery of the Theatre. Confusingly, google maps indicates that the site of the ancient theatre is just outside the area! In fact, it is not only almost entirely intact, but also considered one of the purest masterpieces of ancient Greek architecture. The ancient complex became the equivalent of a modern hospital, or a healing / wellness centre if you prefer. Due to its incomparable acoustics, the actors can be perfectly heard by all 15,000 spectators, as you can even hear the sound of a pin dropping. Indeed, of all the ancient theatres, Epidaurus one has been characterized as the most beautiful one that creates a unique feeling; a feeling that goes beyond the tranquility of intimacy! It represents the most well-preserved ancient theater in Greece and is the greatest example of ancient Greek architecture. In line with other ancient complexes, Ancient Epidaurus was abandoned after 426 AD, when Theodosius II banned the ancient cults. From Nafplion you need a 45 minutes drive till Epidaurus (you can also take a taxi from Nafplion). Extensions were made … Marble, poros and wood were used for its construction, and it was lavishly decorated with sculptures and paintings.

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