For the ancient Greeks, the design of large interiors, mainly for use
in temples and private houses, was also applied to theaters where many of
the now-famous Greek tragedies were often performed in front of thousands
of spectators. The Greek practice “of designing large interiors led
directly to the later Roman practice and marked a sharp departure from
classical Greek architecture” (Lawrence, 167) which stressed the exterior
of the building almost as a work of sculpture and left the interior
The best example of a Greek theater is that at Epidaurus, and
although it is late Classical rather than Hellenistic, it contains all the
functioning units and formal arrangement of later theaters. This semi-
circular auditorium is built into the side of a hill and the diameter of
its projected circle is 387 feet. Staircase aisles, laid out on radii
projecting from the center of the circular orchestra, separate blocks of
stone benches which are then separated into two tiers by a broad corridor.
The orchestra, or proscenium, is arranged for the maximum convenience of
view of the performance and for the preparations of the actors. The
passageway between the stage and audience on each side is wide enough to
permit quick exit. This careful design symbolized the growing concern of
the Greeks for the convenience of the audience, due to increasing
In contrast, the best example of a Roman theater is the Colosseum,
sometimes called the Flavian Amphitheater. This building, as compared to
the simple design of the Greek theater, is massive and is essentially two
facing theaters enclosing an oval space (the arena). The Colosseum “is the
largest of its type and was originally meant for the staging of lavish
spectacles, such as battles between animals and the gladiators” (Robertson,
2
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