Transcript Leptis Magna

The Roman Theatre at Lepcis
Magna
Original construction date:
AD 1-2
Greek
Roman
Roman
Shakespearean
Theatre
Severan Forum and Basilica
Port
Hadrianic Baths
Arch of Septimius Severus
Leptis Magna
The components of the theatre
Mediterranean
scaena
apse
scaenae frons
pulpitum
ara
orchestra
proscaenium
cavea
cavea
(seating area)
vomitoria
orchestra
cavea seen from the pulpitum
position of
shrine
cavea
vomitorium
pulpitum
The theatre viewed from the centre vomitorium of the cavea
The tribunal above the right entrance
The inscription which tells us about
Annobal building the theatre in the reign
of Augustus
The left statue of
one of the
Dioscuri, with
the horse’s head
at his feet
Theatre at Leptis Magna
Date: 1-2AD (Age of Augustus)
Location: Leptis Magna, North Africa
Commissioned by: Annobal Rufus, a
local merchant. His name appears on
the inscription.
The Cavea
It is semi-circular
The seating is
divided up into
wedge-shaped
sections separated
by staircases that
lead up and down.
There are two ambulatories
(passageways) dividing up the cavea into
three levels
The Cavea
There is a portico
around the top of
the Cavea,
featuring marble
Corinthian
columns.
In the middle of
the portico there
is a temple to
Ceres-Augusta.
There are vomitoria (underseat
passageways) providing entry to the
cavea
Three levels of
seating:
The UPPER LEVEL
rests on a massive
vaulted sub-structure.
The MIDDLE LEVEL
is built on an
artificial bank.
The LOWER LEVEL
rests upon a natural
bank.
(Also VIP seating
could be added in
the five front rows)
The Orchestra
Semi-circular (unlike Greek
orchestra – full circle)
Tribunalia
(viewing boxes)
were built above
VIP entrances for
most important
citizens
Vaulted VIP
entrances
Stone wall
separated cavea
from orchestra
Altar to unknown
god
The Pulpitum and Proscaenium
Pulpitum (stage)
was wooden
Statues of
Hercules and
Dionysus, patrons
of the city
Niches in
Proscaenium
(stage front) would
have held statues
The Scaena – Stage Building
Scaena is whole
stage building
Scaena frons is
the stage
backdrop. It had 3
tiers of columns –
the same height
as the cavea)
Central of 3 semicircular recesses
for entrance/exit of
actors
Later Additions to the Theatre
Tribunalia
Altar
Temple to CeresAugusta (Ceres of
the Emperors)
Temple to Deified
Emperors
limestone columns
on scaena frons
Religious Features
Key
Understanding:
The additions to
the Theatre at
Leptis Magna
were for religious
purposes, and/or
to promote the
greatness of the
Roman Empire, its
religion and its
Emperors in this
far-off Roman
colony.
1__________
2_____________
3_____________
- the tiered
seating area.
- the semi-circular
lower floor area by the
proscaenium.
- the facade at the
front of the stage.
5__________
4___________
- corridors into
the theatre for
exit and entry
6__________
- the stage
building itself,
where the
actors could
prepare and
props were
stored.
7________________
- the front of the stage building,
- the raised stage
platform for acting on. which provided a backdrop and
entry and exit points for actors.