Argos Theater

Argos-Mykines, Greece

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style. It was around this time that the smaller of the theaters was converted to an odeon, and the Hellenistic theater became Greco-Roman. Containing one of only two examples of a circular orchestra, the other is at Epidauros. The Romans constructed a proskenion that covered part of the orchestra with a hyposkenion below it.

Another notable feature is the Charonian stairway. Actually more like a tunnel, the stairway lead underground from the backstage to the orchestra pit and is presumed to be used to 'sudden appear' among the actors in play. Other reports suggest these tunnels were too short and narrow to operate effectively for actors, especially actors in costume.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 320 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

George Khoury (16 months ago)
The place is a wow, the area is a wow so close to Athens and easy to experience all of the lovely and historical things over the place. Near the place a walking distance also there are more things to watch. I loved the place go ahead and check it
TheEvdriver (2 years ago)
We continue to the small town of Argos, where in the city center there is a less well-preserved excavation with a half-ruined theater and former Roman baths, which we give a short stop.
Amanda Carver (2 years ago)
Fabulous experience, the steepest amphitheatre in Greece, hewn from the rock, remaining as it has been for thousands of years, as part of the same site is a further theatre. Carved in relief stones, and the remains of an amazing arched building standing 11metres high. A must do. €3 entry worth every penny
davide ardu (4 years ago)
actually when I visited was close, but u can esaly come in climbing over by the out of usage gate at the oriental side of it
Pandy Dimitrios (5 years ago)
Argos, major town near Nafplion with Ancient Theatre of Argos, considered one of the largest ancient Greek theatres, and near it is the Agora and Baths of Argos. One of the few towns that have fee parking in commercial area. Peloponnese, Greece #Argos #Peloponnese #Greece
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Chantilly

The Château de Chantilly comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses the Musée Condé. It is one of the finest art galleries in France and is open to the public.

The estate"s connection with the Montmorency family began in 1484. The first mansion (now replaced by the Grand Château) was built in 1528–1531 for the Constable Anne de Montmorency by Pierre Chambiges. The Petit Château was also built for him, around 1560, probably by Jean Bullant. In 1632, after the death of Henri II, it passed to the Grand Condé who inherited it through his mother, Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency.

Several interesting pieces of history are associated with the château during the 17th century.