GREECE PELOPONNESE ARGOLIS ARGOS THEATRE

With a capacity of about 20,000 spectators the ancient theatre of Argos is one of the largest in Greece. Erected in the 3rd century BC, with renovations especially of the orchestra and the scenic complex in the Roman period (above right: the Roman entrance). What makes it quite unique is that most of the theatre was not built but hewn from the rock! The 80 rows of stone seats are separated by radiating staircases into eight cunei. Horizontally, the cavea is divided by diazomata into three sectors.

Above right: Marble seats of honour in the first row for officials. - Below: The orchestra, where in Roman times a pool was built for fake naval fights and aquatic games.