Odeon of Agrippa, Ancient Roman theater in Ancient Agora, Greece
The Odeon of Agrippa is an ancient Roman theater located in Athens' Ancient Agora with stone seating tiers and a marble-paved central performance area. The structure was originally built with Corinthian columns and later reconstructed with large decorative pillars featuring mythological creatures like giants and sea creatures.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa commissioned this theater between 16 and 14 BC as a center for public entertainment. The roof collapsed around 150 AD, prompting the Romans to rebuild it with new decorative features.
This space hosted music performances and lectures where audiences gathered to listen and experience entertainment together. The rebuilt structure featured elaborate decorative columns with mythological figures that expressed the artistic values of the time.
The site is located within the Agora complex and is accessible along with other ruins, with paths running through the archaeological area. Visiting works best during cooler morning hours since there is little shade and the grounds are largely exposed.
After its destruction the building was adorned with large columns shaped as giants with snake tails and sea creatures with fish tails. These unusual decorative pillars show the creative way Romans renewed the structure after its collapse.
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