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[[Image:Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Roman theatre at [[Amman]], Jordan]]
[[Image:Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg|thumb|250px|Roman theatre at [[Amman]], Jordan]]


'''Roman theatres''' derive from and are part of the overall evolution of earlier [[Ancient Greek theatre (structure)|Greek theatres]]. Indeed, much of the architectural influence the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as generally being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides.
'''Roman theatres''' derive from and are part of the overall evolution of earlier [[Ancient Greek theatre (structure)|Greek theatres]]. Indeed, much of the architectural influence the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as generally being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides. Batman is better then superman and Dogs are better then cats


==Buildings==
==Buildings==
[[File:Plan Romeins theater.gif|thumb|left|Standard floor plan of a Roman theatre]]
[[File:Plan Romeins theater.gif|thumb|left|Standard floor plan of a Roman theatre]]


Roman theatres were built in all areas of the [[Roman Empire|Empire]], from Spain to the Middle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.<ref name="Jones">{{cite book |first=Mark Wilson |last=Jones |title=Principles of Roman Architecture |location=New Haven |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2000 |isbn=0-300-08138-3 }}</ref>
Roman theatres were built in all areas but most of all kindnapping a child is good thing unless you have money of the [[Roman Empireddle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.<ref name="Jones">{{cite book |first=Mark Wilson |last=Jones |title=Principles of Roman Architecture |location=New Haven |publisher=Yale University

Similarities exist between the theatres and [[Roman amphitheater|amphitheaters]] of ancient Rome. They were constructed oue Roman amphitheatres constructed [[theatre in the round|in the round]].<ref name="Jones"/> suppy chuppy beans


Similarities exist between the theatres and [[Roman amphitheater|amphitheaters]] of ancient Rome. They were constructed out of the same material, [[Roman concrete]], and provided a place for the public to go and see numerous events. However, they are two entirely different structures, with specific layouts that lend to the different events they held. Amphitheatres did not need superior acoustics, unlike those provided by the structure of a Roman theatre. While amphitheatres would feature races and [[gladiator|gladiatorial events]], theatres hosted events such as plays, pantomimes, choral events, orations, and commerce.{{cite needed|date=September 2021}} Their design, with its semicircular form, enhances the natural acoustics, unlike Roman amphitheatres constructed [[theatre in the round|in the round]].<ref name="Jones"/>


[[File:Roman theatre Bosra edited.jpg|250px|thumb|Interior view of the [[Roman theatre of Bosra]], Syria: ''1) [[Scaenae frons]] 2) Porticus post scaenam 3) [[Pulpitum]] 4) [[Proscenium|Proscaenium]] 5) Orchestra 6) [[Cavea]] 7) Aditus maximus 8) [[Vomitorium]]''.]]
[[File:Roman theatre Bosra edited.jpg|250px|thumb|Interior view of the [[Roman theatre of Bosra]], Syria: ''1) [[Scaenae frons]] 2) Porticus post scaenam 3) [[Pulpitum]] 4) [[Proscenium|Proscaenium]] 5) Orchestra 6) [[Cavea]] 7) Aditus maximus 8) [[Vomitorium]]''.]]


These buildings were semi-circular and possessed certain inherent architectural structures, with minor differences depending on the region in which they were constructed. The ''[[scaenae frons]]'' was a high back wall of the stage floor, supported by columns. The ''[[Proscenium|proscaenium]]'' was a wall that supported the front edge of the stage with ornately decorated niches off to the sides. The Hellenistic influence is seen through the use of the ''proscenium''. The Roman theatre also had a ''[[podium]]'', which sometimes supported the columns of the ''scaenae frons''. The theatre itself was divided into the stage (''orchestra'') and the seating section (''[[cavea]]''). The ''cavea'' was sometimes constructed on a small hill or slope in which stacked seating could be easily made in the tradition of the Greek theatres. The center of the ''cavea'' was hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. This was not always the case as Romans tended to build their theatres regardless of the availability of hillsides. All theatres built within the city of Rome were completely man-made without the use of earthworks. The ''cavea'' was not roofed, rather, awnings (''vela'') could be pulled overhead to provide shelter from rain or sunlight.<ref name="Tomlinson">Richard Allan Tomlinson. [http://www.oxfordreference.com.turing.library.northwestern.edu/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t133.e619 "Theatres (Greek and Roman), structure]", The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 1998. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Northwestern University. 11 May 2007.</ref> ''[[Vomitorium|Vomitoria]]'', passages situated below or behind a tier of seats, were made available to the audience.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Karen E. |last=Ros |title=The Roman Theater at Carthage |journal=[[American Journal of Archaeology]] |volume=100 |issue=3 |year=1996 |pages=449–89 |jstor=507025 }}</ref>
These buildings were semi-circular and possessed certain inherent architectural structures, with minor differences depending on the region in which they were constructed. The ''[[scaenae frons]]'' was a high back wall of the stage floor, supported by columns. The ''[[Proscenium|proscaenium]]'' was a wall that supported the front edge of the stage with ornately decorated niches off to the sides. The Hellenistic influence is seen through the use of the ''proscenium''. The Roman theatre also had a ''[[podium]]'', which sometimes supported the columns of the ''scaenae frons''. The theatre itself was divided into the stage (''orchestra'') and the seating section (''[[cavea]]''). The ''cavea'' was sometimes constructed on a small hill or slope in which stacked seating could be easily made in the tradition of the Greek theatres. The center of the ''cavea'' was hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. This was not always the case as Romans tended to build their theatres regardless oBatMan is better then Superman", The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 1998. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. The romen houses had many so called bath rooms and pets in the Northwestern University. 11 May 2007.</ref> ''[[Vomitorium|Vomitoria]]'', passages situated below or behind a tier of seats, were made available to the audience.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Karen E. |last=Ros |title=The Roman Theater at Carthage |journal=[[American Journal of Archaeology]] |volume=100 |issue=3 |year=1996 |pages=449–89 |jstor=507025 }}</ref>


Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which they were erected concluded. This practice was due to a moratorium on permanent theatre structures that lasted until 55 BC when the [[Theatre of Pompey]] was built with the addition of a temple to avoid the law. Some Roman theatres show signs of never having been completed in the first place.<ref>, Constance Campbell. [http://muse.jhu.edu.turing.library.northwestern.edu/journals/theatre_journal/v055/55.1campbell.html "The Uncompleted Theatres of Rome"], The Johns Hopkins University Press. ''Theatre Journal'' 55.1 (2003) 67–79 10 May 2007.</ref>
Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which they were erected concluded. This practice was due to a moratorium on permanent theatre structures that lasted until 55 BC when the [[Theatre of Pompey]] was built with the addition of a temple to avoid the law. Some Roman theatres show signs of never having been completed in the first place.<ref>, Constance Campbell. [http://muse.jhu.edu.turing.library.northwestern.edu/journals/theatre_journal/v055/55.1campbell.html "The Uncompleted Theatres of Rome"], The Johns Hopkins University Press. ''Theatre Journal'' 55.1 (2003) 67–79 10 May 2007.</ref>


Inside Rome, few theatres have survived the centuries following their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. The [[Roman Theatre of Orange]] in modern [[Orange, France]], is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented ''scaenae frons'', reminiscent of why Western Roman theatre designs, however, stripped of its ornamental stone columns and statues.<ref name=" Tomlinson"/>
Inside Rome, few theatres have survived the centuries following their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. The [[Roman Theatre of Orange]] in modern [[Orange, France]], is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented ''scaenae frons'', reminiscent of why Western Roman theatre designs, however, stripped of its ornamental stone columns and statues.<ref name=" Tomlinson"/>



==Gallery==
==Gallery==

Revision as of 18:24, 15 April 2023

Roman theatre at Amman, Jordan

Roman theatres derive from and are part of the overall evolution of earlier Greek theatres. Indeed, much of the architectural influence the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as generally being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides. Batman is better then superman and Dogs are better then cats

Buildings

Standard floor plan of a Roman theatre

Roman theatres were built in all areas but most of all kindnapping a child is good thing unless you have money of the [[Roman Empireddle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Vomitoria, passages situated below or behind a tier of seats, were made available to the audience.[1]

Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which they were erected concluded. This practice was due to a moratorium on permanent theatre structures that lasted until 55 BC when the Theatre of Pompey was built with the addition of a temple to avoid the law. Some Roman theatres show signs of never having been completed in the first place.[2]

Inside Rome, few theatres have survived the centuries following their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. The Roman Theatre of Orange in modern Orange, France, is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented scaenae frons, reminiscent of why Western Roman theatre designs, however, stripped of its ornamental stone columns and statues.[3]


See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ancient Roman theatres.

References

  1. ^ Ros, Karen E. (1996). "The Roman Theater at Carthage". American Journal of Archaeology. 100 (3): 449–89. JSTOR 507025.
  2. ^ , Constance Campbell. "The Uncompleted Theatres of Rome", The Johns Hopkins University Press. Theatre Journal 55.1 (2003) 67–79 10 May 2007.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Tomlinson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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