4. Theatre at Leptis Magna Date : 1-2AD (Age of Augustus) Location : Leptis Magna, North Africa Commissioned by : Annobal Rufus, a local merchant. His name appears on an inscription.
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7. The Cavea (seating) It is semi-circular Ambulatories (passageways) divide the seating into three levels Seating is divided up into wedge-shaped sections separated by staircases.
8. The Cavea (cont’d) Vomitoria (underseat passageways) for entry and exit Portico featuring marble Corinthian columns. In the middle of the portico there is a temple to Ceres-Augusta .
9. Three levels of seating: The UPPER LEVEL rests on a massive vaulted sub-structure. The MIDDLE LEVEL is built on an artificial bank. The LOWER LEVEL rests upon a natural bank. (Also VIP seating could be added in the five front rows)
10. The Orchestra Semi-circular (unlike Greek orchestra – full circle) Tribunalia (viewing boxes) were built above VIP entrances for most important citizens Vaulted VIP entrances Stone wall separated cavea from orchestra Altar to unknown god
11. The Pulpitum and Proscaenium Pulpitum (stage) was wooden Statues of Hercules and Dionysus, patrons of the city Niches in Proscaenium (stage front) would have held statues
12. The Scaena – Stage Building Scaena is whole stage building Central of 3 semi-circular recesses for entrance/exit of actors Scaenae frons is the stage backdrop. It had 3 tiers of columns – the same height as the cavea)
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14. Later Additions to the Theatre limestone columns on scaena frons Tribunalia Altar Temple to Ceres-Augusta (Ceres of the Emperors) Temple to Deified Emperors
15. Key Understanding: The additions to the Theatre at Leptis Magna were for religious purposes, and/or to promote the greatness of the Roman Empire, its religion and its Emperors in this far-off Roman colony. Religious Features
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19. 1___________ - the tiered seating area. 2_____________ - the semi-circular lower floor area by the proscaenium. 3_____________ - the facade at the front of the stage. 4___________ - corridors into the theatre for exit and entry 6__________ - the raised stage platform for acting on. 7________________ - the front of the stage building, which provided a backdrop and entry and exit points for actors. 5__________ - the stage building itself, where the actors could prepare and props were stored.
