1. The Roman Theatre at Lepcis Magna Original construction date: AD 1-2

2. Greek Roman Shakespearean

3. Leptis Magna Arch of Septimius Severus Theatre Port Hadrianic Baths Severan Forum and Basilica

4. pulpitum Mediterranean cavea orchestra ara proscaenium The components of the theatre scaena scaenae frons apse

5. cavea ( seating area) vomitoria orchestra

6. cavea seen from the pulpitum vomitorium position of shrine cavea pulpitum

7. The theatre viewed from the centre vomitorium of the cavea

8. The tribunal above the right entrance The inscription which tells us about Annobal building the theatre in the reign of Augustus

9. The left statue of one of the Dioscuri, with the horse’s head at his feet

10. 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 the inscription.

11. The Cavea It is semi-circular There are two ambulatories (passageways) dividing up the cavea into three levels The seating is divided up into wedge-shaped sections separated by staircases that lead up and down.

12. The Cavea There are vomitoria (underseat passageways) providing entry to the cavea There is a portico around the top of the Cavea, featuring marble Corinthian columns. In the middle of the portico there is a temple to Ceres-Augusta.

13. 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)

14. 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

15. 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

16. The Scaena – Stage Building Scaena is whole stage building Central of 3 semi- circular recesses for entrance/exit of actors Scaena frons is the stage backdrop. It had 3 tiers of columns – the same height as the cavea)

17. Later Additions to the Theatre limestone columns on scaena frons Tribunalia Altar Temple to Ceres- Augusta (Ceres of the Emperors) Temple to Deified Emperors

18. 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

20. 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.