The Roman Theatre at Lepcis Magna

Original construction date: AD 1-2

Greek

Roman

Roman

Shakespearean

Leptis MagnaArch of Septimius Severus

Theatre PortHadrianic Baths

Severan Forum and Basilica

pulpitum

Mediterranean

caveaorchestra

ara

proscaenium

The components of the theatre

scaena

scaenae frons

apse

cavea(seating area)

vomitoria

orchestra

cavea seen from the pulpitum

vomitorium

position of shrine

cavea

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

There are two ambulatories (passageways) dividing up the cavea into three levels

The seating is divided up into wedge-shaped sections separated by staircases that lead up and down.

The Cavea

There are vomitoria (underseat passageways) providing entry to 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.

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

Central of 3 semi-circular recesses for entrance/exit of actors

Scaena frons is the stage backdrop. It had 3 tiers of columns – the same height as the cavea)

Later Additions to the Theatre

limestone columns on scaena frons

Tribunalia

Altar

Temple to Ceres-Augusta (Ceres of the Emperors)

Temple to Deified Emperors

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.

Religious Features

1__________

- the tiered seating area.

2_____________

- the semi-circular lower floor area by the proscaenium.

3_____________

- the facade at the front of the stage.

4___________

- corridors into the theatre for exit and entry

6__________

- the raised stage platform for acting on.

7________________

- the front of the stage building, which provided a backdrop and entry and exit points for actors.

5__________

- the stage building itself, where the actors could prepare and props were stored.