Download Theatre at Leptis

THEATRE AT LEPTIS MAGNA
FACT FILE
Date:
Location:
Commissioned by:
Define these terms with respect to this site:
The Cavea
The Orchestra
The Pulpitum and the Proscaenium
The Stage Building / Scaena
Later Additions
Religious Features
Form and Function of the Theatre
Question: How does the function of the Theatre dictate its architectural form?
Form
Cavea
Seating is arranged in three levels
Seating is divided horizontally by 2
ambulatories
Vomitoria lead to exterior of building
Function
Raised seating provided better
views
Facilitate movement of audience
Served as entrance and exit for
audience / facilitates movement
Tribunalia
Special seating close to stage
Best views reserved for VIPs
Orchestra
Shallow steps for seating at front
Octagonal altar in centre
Stone wall separates orchestra for
cavea
Provide best view for VIPs
Relates to religious function of
theatre
Separates orchestra from acting
areas and separates VIPs from
crowds
Pulpitum / Proscaenium
Religious statues
Fulfil religious function of theatre
Scaenae Frons
Columns are 3 stories high – same
height as cavea
Has 3 apses
Sculptures between the columns
Shut off audience from outside
world
Each has entrance for actors; star
actor enters from central door
Relate to religious function of
theatre
Velarium
Movable cover/awning
Provided protection from the sun
NCEA 2007: THEATRE AT LECTIS MAGNA
(a)i
ii
(b)
(c)
i
ii
(d)i
ii
(e)i
ii
(f)i
ii
(g)
In what Roman
settlement was the
theatre shown
constructed?
In what part of the
Roman empire was this
settlement located?
[ACH]
Who was emperor of
Rome at the time this
theatre was
constructed?
[ACH]
In ancient times there
was a herm figure of a
well-known god at each
end of the stage of this
theatre.
Name ONE of these
gods.
Why was this god
chosen to be honoured
in this part of the
theatre? [ACH]
What was the function of
the tribunalia?
Where were the
tribunalia positioned in
this theatre? [ACH]
Describe TWO design
features of the seating
area or cavea.
Explain TWO ways in
which this seating area
was supported. [MER]
Name ONE of the
temples added to this
theatre at a later date,
and describe its location.
Explain the propaganda
purpose of the temple
you chose in (f) (i).
[MER]
What evidence is there
to suggest that this
theatre was designed
and constructed more in
the Roman tradition than
in the Greek tradition?
You must make FOUR
different points and
mention both Greek and
Roman traditions for
each point. Give specific
examples to illustrate
your answer. [EXC]