Odeon of Pericles, Ancient musical theater at Acropolis foot, Athens, Greece
Description
The Odeon of Pericles was an ancient musical theater at the base of the Acropolis featuring a square design supported by about ninety columns arranged in nine rows. The building differed from other odeons of its time through this distinctive rectangular layout rather than the more common circular design.
History
The structure was built in 435 BC and destroyed during Sulla's siege of Athens in 87-86 BC. It was later reconstructed under Ariobarzanes II of Cappadocia.
Culture
The theater hosted musical contests during the Panathenaea festival and contained an orchestra space for choruses and storage rooms for ceremonial items.
Practical
The site sits at the southeastern base of the Acropolis and is open to visitors and researchers. Walking through the area allows you to explore a significant archaeological site that pairs well with nearby monuments.
Did you know?
The roof was constructed from timber salvaged from captured Persian ships and formed a square pyramid shape. This unusual design using recycled war materials made the building stand out among other known odeons.
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