Roman Theatres An Architectural Study

This book is the most detailed analysis of Roman theatre architecture to date. In nine chapters the layout, design, and features of Roman theatres are analysed. The Latin terminology applied to the theatre is discussed; source material and earlier scholarship is fully evaluated, and theatres of particular importance, such as the Theatre of Pompey and the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome, are given more extensive treatment. Theatres from all over the Roman Empire are included, and regional and stylistic variations are noted, province by province. The book also contains a comprehensive catalogue of Roman theatres for which there is archaeological, inscriptional, or literary evidence. Also included where relevant are other buildings of related type, such as odea (concert halls) and bouleuteria (council chambers). Each catalogue entry is a mine of detailed information relating to location, orientation, dimensions, and dates. Inscriptional or literary evidence relating to each theatre is noted and there is an up-to-date bibliography for each building. Most importantly, the book is lavishly illustrated with plans of over 400 theatres or buildings of theatrical type, as well as numerous text figures and photographs. Book jacket.

Frank Sear is Professor of Classical Studies at the Centre for Classics and Archaeology, University of Melbourne.