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.
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