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The theatre of The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidavros
 
The theatre of the Asklepieion of Epidavros is the ideal specimen of the achievements and experience of the ancient Greeks on theatre construction. It was already praised in antiquity by Pausanias for its symmetry and beauty.
It has the typical Hellenistic structure with the three basic parts: the cavea, the orchestra and the stage-building (skene). The longest radius of the cavea is 58 m. while the diameter of the orchestra is about 20 m. The lower of the two diazomata (sections) is divided with 13 stairways into 12 cunei (with 34 rows of benches) and the upper with 23 stairways into 22 cunei (with 21 rows of benches).
The stage-building included a main room with four pillars along the central axis, and one square room at each end. The proskenium had a facade with 14 half-columns against pillars. Two ramps on either side led to the stage while monumental double gates stood at the two entrances.

 

The theatre was built in two stages. During the first, at the end of the 4th century B.C., the orchestra, the lower diazoma and the stage-building (in its "pre-hellenistic" phase) were constructed. During the second, at the middle of the 2nd century B.C., the cavea was enlarged at the top, and the stage building was given its "late-hellenistic" shape. The theatre was used for musical and poetical contests and theatrical performances.

 

For centuries the monument remained covered by thick layers of earth. Systematic excavations started in 1881 under the direction of P. Kavvadias. The cavea was brought to light quite well preserved apart from the tiers at the edges and the retaining walls. On the contrary, the stage was found in ruins levelled to the ground.
At the beginning of the 20th century the gate of the western entrance and the contiguous retaining-wall were restored. Large-scale works were undertaken from 1954 to 1963 for the reconstruction of the destroyed sections and partial restoration of the monument.

The monument attracts a large number of visitors. Theatrical performances during a Festival started in 1954 and were established the following year as an institution of ancient drama.
In 1988, the Comittee for the Preservation of the Epidaurus Monuments, including scientists of the Ministry of Culture and Universities, started a program of conservation works at the theatre to solve a series of specific problems concerning the wear caused by the thousands of visitors. For an effective protection of the stage-building from the contemporary skenic structures, the place will be covered by an accessible shelter.