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:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

George Khoury (2 years 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 (3 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 (3 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 (5 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 (6 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

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Argos Theater

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople