Herodus Atticus Theatre
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The Theatre of Herodus Atticus is the youngest structure on the South side
of the Acropolis. Built between AD 161 & 174 by the Roman consul
Herodus Atticus of Marathon in memory of his wife, Regilla.
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The theatre is Roman rather than Greek in essence. Unlike traditional
Greek theatres which were circular or almost circular, the odeon is exactly
semi-circular. The Theatre of Herodus Atticus is 40m in diameter
and was sheltered by a cedar roof for musical (both vocal and instrumental)
performances. The 32 steeply raked rows of seating were hollowed
out of the rocks to provide seating for 5000 audiences.
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The theatre is recently restored with new marble seating and it continues
to be used as a performing arts venue for modern Athenians. Every
summer during the Athens Festival, concerts, ballet performances and operas attracts a huge
number of audiences.
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