Papers of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (6.1890-1897 (1897))

THE THEATRE AT ERETEIA.

99

them varying in length so much as 0.05 m. from 1 m. The stones
ofthe lower course are set vertically and are 1.10 m. high (a-b, e—d).
With the second course {b—c, d—e), the two side walls come together,
making an angle at the top of 60°. There is no cap-stone, and nothing
of the arch-construction; the stones rest against each other merely by
the contact of their inner uppermost edges, and the outer edges, which
might otherwise project above the level of the orchestra, are cut away
so as to lie just beneath the old surface. The passage is covered in
this way along 11.03 m. of its entire length. At both ends the last
stone of the upper course on each side rises vertically, instead of slop-
ing to meet its fellow. These stones vary slightly in dimensions. All
are 0.85 m. in height; but, at the north end ofthe passage, the block
on the east side is 1.07 long, its opposite 0.99 m., and at the stage end,
the one to the east is 1.03 m., that to the west
1.08 m. long. These differences are scarcely
noticeable except on actual measurement. At
the north end every stone is 0.15 m. wide at the
top; at the stage end the total width is 0.33 m.,
but on the inside there is a sunken ledge 0.05 m.
deep and 0.15 m. wide. This disposition was
evidently planned to receive a trapdoor which
should cover the opening. At the north end there
is a suggestion of an intended covering in two
small cavities corresponding to each other in the
last two stones that are joined to roof the passage ;
but it is difficult to seejust how these cavities could
have contributed to the purpose in question.
Thus was afforded entrance to the passage at the centre of the or-
chestra and just behind the proscenium. It was facilitated by steps
constructed in a noteworthy and unusual manner. At either end a
huge block of poros was set in, resting on the same level as the side
stones of the lower course, and corresponding to them in height. It
was so wide that its middle portion could be cut into steps equal in
breadth to the passage, while the side portions thus left standing free
bounded the continuation of the passage in the line of the regular
blocks ofthe lower course. This block furnished three steps. Upon
it and between the vertical side stones of the upper course, which
form the opening, was placed another huge block, which was cut out
in three more steps in the same way. Thus a stairway was formed

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Section of Subterranean
Passage.