There are a lot of ancient things to see around the base of the Acropolis of Athens. The theatre was a popular form of entertainment, so there are several theatres in the Athens area. They are sometimes called an Odeum, or in French, an Odeon. There is a chain of Cinema Theatres operating internationally under the Odeon brand.
The Odeum of Herodes Atticus is on the southern slope of the Acropolis. It was built in 161 AD and renovated in 1950. It is still in use today as an open-air venue for 5,000 spectators.
From this angle it is not possible to see the semicircular stage.
If you look closely you may be able to tell the old stone from the renovated blocks. The seating is all-new for the safety of the spectators. Since I was not able to get a good angle, I borrowed a picture to show an overview.
Beside the Odeum of Herodes Atticus is this older Theatre of Dionysus built in the fourth century BC with a capacity of 17,000. After the Roman period, it was not used and was not “rediscovered and excavated” until the 19th century.
Previous to this theatre, the Greek Drama productions were put on in the marketplace or Greek Agora. Wikipedia says that the wooden seating, (did you have bleachers in your school gym) collapsed in the Agora so plays were moved to this theatre.
The Agora was the marketplace and “speakers corner” of Athens. Below is the hill that orators would deliver their message from. Much less formal than the theatre. It is known as Mars Hill and is where Saul, the apostle Paul, told the Greeks about the one they called the “unknown God”. (ref. Acts 17)
On the map above, on the left, there is a tiny red dot marking the Ancient Agora of Athens. Above and to the left of that is the Temple of Hephaestus. It looks like a prototype model of the Parthenon which is in the centre. In the foreground, to the left and at the base of the Acropolis is the Odeum of Herodes Atticus. To the right is the Theatre of Dionysus.
Here is a final look at Athens from the Acropolis.
Wow, so much history, which, somehow, becomes better and more exciting when you can see it and touch it! What a fantastic place to visit. Thank you for sharing your adventure with me.
It is my pleasure to share these pictures and encourage others to see this wonderful world and it’s interesting people.
So cool! I love the picture of Mars Hill in the banner across the top. You are an amazing photographer. I have never been to Greece -it’s on my list for “someday.” And now I have a mini travel guide to refer to as we plan 🙂