roman odeon en[1]

Roman Odeon, Patras

• Roman Odeon is located west of the Citadel in Ano Polis. It was probably built in the 1st half of 2nd Century A.D. (earlier than the Athenian Odeon – Herodeon) by the same Emperor.

• Pausanias, who visited Patras at c. 170 A.D., mentions that Odeon was part of the ancient Agora (VII, 20, 6) .

• The ancient Odeon is similar to the ancient Theatre; it also has an orchestra, proscenium, skene, actors’ changing-rooms and a koilon of 23 layers of seats, roomy enough for up to 2.300 people.

• What makes it different from a theatre is its wooden roof in cone shape made of radial beams. Also confirmed by Pausanias.

Location

Our tour guide, archeologist M. Kreeb, Prof. at the University of Patras, Department of Theatrical Studies.

The Facade of the Odeon as it is today

Building technique (core and outer face)

The difference in bricks’ color denotes the ancient-original and the modern-reconstructed wall

SCENAE FRONS (originally in 3 levels) and the 3 entrances

Broad ramps – parodoi

Orchestra (there is an early Christian Cemetery underneath)

Koilon

Lions’ foot, curved in marble; original detail. There was a decorative one on the

edge of each row of seats

Curved marble decoration. Today’s edge of seats’ rows-reconstruction

Balcony seats for special guests

Stairs made of brick in the upper part of the Odeon

Another view of the upper part

The corridor between upper and lower part of the Odeon

Another balcony for special guests at the end of the seats

Escape exit in the upper part of the Odeon (vomitorium)

Model of the ancient Odeon

Model made by student D. Voutsina, C1, 2011-2012