The theater of epidaurus most greek theaters were acoustical marvels. The differences between the ancient and modern use of it are explained. Epidaurus olive villa, is a greek traditional villa located in nea epidaurus village 1. Tourists come from far and wide to visit the 2,300yearold greek theater of epidaurus, where they stand in one of the back rows. Can you really hear a coin drop from the back row of an. 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. For while the roman theatres are far superior to those anywhere else in their splendor, and the arcadian theatre at megalopolis is unequalled for size, what architect could seriously rival polycleitus in symmetry and beauty. As early as 1936, plays were being performed at the epidaurus theatre, including those by sophocles and euripides. The great theatre of epidaurus is one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient greek art located in the prefecture of argolis that has been included in the world heritage site list of unesco. The theatre of epidaurus illustration ancient history.
Excavations of the sacred precinct reveal that it contained temples to asclepius and artemis, a theatre, stadium, gymnasiums, baths, a tholos. The first play the ancient theatre of epidaurus hosted in modern times, was electra, the famous ancient tragedy written by sophocles. The first annual festival season was established in 1936, however with the outbreak of wwii, the festivities declined, but on june 19, 1955 the festival officially opened and the theater of epidaurus took its debut with a performance of euripides. The theatre of epidaurus, ancient greece, epidaurus. May 20, 2018 if you are a history buff and a music lover, you will have to make a pilgrimage to the ancient theatre of epidaurus. It is considered to be the most perfect ancient greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics. 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 theatre of epidaurus represents the finest and bestpreserved example of a classical greek theatre. Epidaurus greece protagonist of ancient greek drama. Almost entirely preserved, only the single storey stage building called skene missing, it still functioned as well as it did during its time of construction during. The theater at epidaurus well, the gladiator fight was a fun way to kick off the evening, but now im more in the mood for a play.
The theater of epidaurusintact throughout the centuries. The theatre of epidaurus is a stunningly wellpreserved ancient theater constructed in the 4th century bc. To honour the epidaurus festival and its history, the hellenic festival founded the epidaurus. Situated across the saronic gulf from athens, the ancient greek city of epidaurus is home to a 15,000 seat theatre that was once used for lavish dramas and banquets. Epidaurus, in ancient greece, important commercial centre on the eastern coast of the argolid in the northeastern peloponnese. The ancient greek theatres and especially the well preserved theatre of epidaurus are of great interest because of their legendary acoustic characteristics. According to ancient greek mythology, epidaurus was the birthplace of asklepios, the healing god, and son of apollo. C the harmony of its cavea, the way it sits in the landscape with the semicircle hollowed out of the side of the hill, and the quality of its acoustics make the epidaurus theatre one of the great architectural achievements of the fourth 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. Since 2010 they belong to the new municipality of epidaurus, part of the regional unit of argolis. One thing is for sure, the national theatre of athens, which has been putting on these performances since 1954, puts on a great production.
Ancient epidaurus little theatre epidavros 2020 all. It belonged to epidavros, a small citystate of the classical times, that was located at the nearest western coast of saronikos bay, where nowadays lies the community of palea epidaurus. Fortifications, a theatre and tholos tombs have been excavated dating as early as the 15th century bce, although it was in the 12th century bce that epidaurus limera, with its harbour linking it to the aegean trade network, particularly flourished. At the theater of epidaurus, actors can be clearly heard by any of the 14000 audience members regardless of seating. Actors rather than writers are the books main concern and wiles examines how the actor used the resources of storytelling, dance, mask, song and visual action to create a largescale event that would shape the life of the citizen community. The most important sight in epidaurus greece is the ancient theatre. When it comes to the ways of medicine, the ancient greeks may have been on to something. Ancient greek theatre, its origins and its position to the ancient greek world. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Cthe harmony of its cavea, the way it sits in the landscape with the semicircle hollowed out of the side of the hill, and the quality of its acoustics make the epidaurus theatre one of the great architectural achievements of the fourth century.
Creative commons attributionnoncommercialsharealike. Theatre of epidaurus overview the theatre of epidaurus represents the finest and bestpreserved example of a classical greek theatre. The ancient theatre of epidaurus is a theatre in the greek city of epidaurus, located on the southeast end of the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient greek god of medicine, asclepius. The last play i saw at epidaurus was a performance of aristophanes lysistrata, a comedy in which the women of greece withhold sex from all the men in order to put an end to the peloponnesian war. The circular orchestra has a centre altar of dionysus. If you are a history buff and a music lover, you will have to make a pilgrimage to the ancient theatre of epidaurus.
It is well known for having remarkable acoustic properties, allowing voices from the stage to travel clearly to the very top row of seats, without amplification. Jun 18, 2012 epidaurus was named after the hero epidauros, son of apollo. At the slope of mount kinortio, inside the boundaries of the place of worship, lies the most famous and best preserved ancient theater of epidaurus, the miracle of epidaurus, as it was called. Getting to the ancient theatre of epidaurus from athens. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of mycenea with kostass excellent explanation of its history. In 1955, the greek government founded the athens and epidaurus festival, which takes place every summer. The location of the ancient theater of epidaurus posted in ae, historical destinations. Ancient epidaurus little theatre epidavros 2020 all you. A great view of sea, trees and epidaurus not the ruins, the village. The ancient theatre of epidaurus is an architectural masterpiece designed by the architect from argos, polykleitos the younger, and represents a unique artistic achievement through its admirable integration into the overall sanctuary of epidaurus. It was celebrated as the site of the temple of asclepius 1, which dates from the 4th cent. So, lets head on over to ancient greece and see whats showing.
An exceptional singer with a particular aura, alkinoos ioannidis will be joined in the little theater of ancient epidaurus by three outstanding musicians and a vocal ensemble. It was built according to pausanias, during the 4th century bc. Then you might be interested to learn about the theater of epidaurus. The great theater of epidaurus, designed by polykleitos the younger in the 4th century bc, sanctuary of asklepeios at epidaurus, greece.
It is heralded for its perfection in its proportions and acoustics. A short video about the theatre at epidaurus, including the famous coin test. So if you love ancient drama, you must visit this picturesque theater especially on a cool friday or saturday night under the moonlight. We recommend booking ancient epidaurus little theatre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Jan 19, 2016 every year since 1995, the epidaurus festival is organized, offering the visitor the opportunity to watch various performances at the imposing ancient theater of epidaurus. True, they thought that the gods visited the ill in their dreams and healed them with divine powers. Theater was a ceremony bound up with fundamental activities in ancient athenian life and wiles explores those elements that created the theater of the time. The sanctuary of asklepios at epidaurus, within which the epidaurus ancient theatre is situated, was one of the most extensive sacred sanctuaries in ancient greece.
A very brief history of epidaurus ancient theater, greece. Uploaded by james lloyd, published on 23 may 2015 under the following license. See all ancient epidaurus little theatre tours on tripadvisor. Epidaurus, greece was a small, unassuming city in ancient times, best known for being the supposed birth place of apollos son, asklepios the healer. In fact, epidaurus is home to the most popular healing center of antiquity. The site is listed by unesco as a world heritage site. In a small valley in the peloponnesus, the shrine of asklepios, the god of medicine, developed out of a much earlier cult of apollo maleatas, during the 6th century bc at the latest, as the official cult of the city state of epidaurus. Excavations of the sacred precinct reveal that it contained temples to asclepius and artemis, a theatre, stadium, gymnasiums, baths, a tholos, a hospital, and an abaton, an area where patients. Ministry of culture and sports sanctuary of asklepios at. Theater at epidauros polykleitos great buildings architecture.
Epidaurus epidors, ancient city of greece, on an inlet of the saronic gulf, ne peloponnesus. It is closely associated with the origins of drama in ancient greece. Getting to the ancient theatre of epidaurus from athens why. Exploring the magnificent ancient theatre of epidaurus epidavros, greece duration. Even by todays standards, this monument stands out as a unique artistic achievement through its admirable integration into the landscape and above all the. The theatre of epidaurus, this miraculous shelllike structure with its amazing acoustics and harmonious architecture, was a place where visitors could attend performances and escape from their small, debilitating everyday problems. In the present paper the history and the construction characteristics of the specific theatre are presented. Every year since 1995, the epidaurus festival is organized, offering the visitor the opportunity to watch various performances at the imposing ancient theater of epidaurus. Undeniably, lovers of ancient history will fall in love with the craftsmanship of ancient greeks sculptors after having spent endless hours in the archaeological site of epidaurus. 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.
Greek geographer pausanias, of the second century c. Apart from the symmetry of this structure, the theater is unique because of its excellent state of conservation, which allows it to be still in working order. Even by todays standards, this monument stands out as a unique artistic achievement through its admirable integration into the landscape and above all the perfection of its proportions and incomparable acoustics. It is built on the west side of cynortion mountain, near modern lygourio, and belongs to the epidaurus municipality. Dec 17, 20 as early as 1936, plays were being performed at the epidaurus theatre, including those by sophocles and euripides. As the importance of asklepios developed in epidaurus, so did the sanctuary. Epidaurus was a small city in ancient greece, on the argolid peninsula at the saronic gulf. So if you love ancient drama, you must visit this picturesque theater especially on. Each activity which took place at epidaurus was designed to harmonize the mind, body and soul. Theater at epidauros commentary theatre, epidaurus, built during the last quarter of the fourth century b. 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 the circular orchestra has a centre altar of dionysus. Jun 16, 2015 a short video about the theatre at epidaurus, including the famous coin test. The theater of the sanctuary of asklepios at epidaurusjoshua polster the epidaurians have a theatre within the sanctuary, in my opinion very well worth seeing. Probably the most beautiful and best preserved of its kind, the theater of epidaurus was built in the 4th century bc by polykleitos the younger.
Epidaurus was named after the hero epidauros, son of apollo. The work of the great greek writers and an open a discussion forum concerning the ancient greek theatre. Our visit to epidaurus was enriched by kostass detailed knowledge of the design of the amphitheatre and the fate of the ancient city. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content noncommercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. Nonetheless, its not only the universal status of epidaurus as the cradle of ancient greek drama. Jan 22, 2014 situated across the saronic gulf from athens, the ancient greek city of epidaurus is home to a 15,000 seat theatre that was once used for lavish dramas and banquets.
It was already praised in antiquity by pausanias for its symmetry and beauty. The acoustics of the epidaurus theatre solent acoustics. The location of the ancient theater of epidaurus posted in ae, historical destinations at the slope of mount kinortio, inside the boundaries of the place of worship, lies the most famous and best preserved ancient theater of epidaurus, the miracle of epidaurus, as it was called. Why the epidaurus theatre has such amazing acoustics. History of the ancient theater of epidaurus the asclepeion of epidavros was one of the great national sanctums of antiquity. Located on the fertile argolid plain of the east peloponnese in greece and blessed with a mild climate and natural springs, the sanctuary of asclepius at epidaurus was an important sacred centre in both ancient greek and roman times. It was built by the architect polykleitos on the side of a mountain and merges perfectly into the surrounding landscape of undulating hills, overlooking the sanctuary of asklepius. Municipality of epidaurus, epidaurus, ancient theatre. Among all the ancient theatres of greece, epidaurus has been characterized as the best preserved and most beautiful one in the entire country, if not the world. We had plenty of time to explore the archaeological site. In the peaceful hinterland of epidaurus, with its mild climate and abundant mineral springs, is the sanctuary of the godphysician asklepios, the most famous healing centre of the greek and roman world. Fortifications, a theatre and tholos tombs have been excavated dating as early as the 15th century bce, although it was in the 12th century bce that epidaurus limera, with its harbour.
The cavea has the shape of a fan, with 34 rows of setas, divided into 12 sectors by stairs. As part of the annual athens and epidaurus festival, the epidaurus theatres come alive with the works of great greek playwrights such as aeschylus, euripides, sophocles and more. These ancient sites welcome more than 90,000 theatregoers each year, across eight weekends in summer and is an absolute highlight to experience a midsummer production. The festival celebrates greek history and plays that are over 2,500 years old. The story of the epidaurus ancient theater greeking. The sanctuary belonged to the small coastal town of epidaurus, but its fame and recognition quickly spread beyond the limits of the argolid. Hellenic festival epidaurus festival athens info guide. The discovery of the epidaurus theater has been important both for archaeology and architecture. Mycenaean monumental architecture first appears at epidaurus. The 10 best hotels near ancient theater of epidaurus in. The theatre of the sanctuary of asklepieion of epidaurus is a perfect example of the achievements and experience of the ancient greeks on theatre construction.
The ancient theatre of epidaurus eagles and dragons. The history of epidaurus is strongly associated with the healing god asklepios. The municipality of epidaurus organized cleaning of the beaches on monday 6. It belonged to epidaurus, a small citystate of the classical period located on the nearby western coast of the saronic gulf, where the village of palea epidavros old epidaurus. Epidaurus is an area of mainland greece which is found at the peloponnese region. The theaters popularity is mostly due to its history which continues to enamor audiences today. The location of the ancient theater of epidaurus greeceme. Inhabited since neolithic times, the first significant settlement was in the mycenaean period. Visiting the ruined healing center of epidaurus and learning about its ancient history was great, but experiencing the acoustics of the limestone theater was definitely unparalleled.