DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.46294#0556
512
11. The Architectural Development of the Theatre from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine Period
So far, the walling-up of the theatre’s slope-side entrances is thought to be associated with its fortifying
function in the Byzantine period (Pl. I)213. The most recent investigations have shown that these measures
should be evaluated differently. Protective measures in the south, or at least for the lower vomitorium ESI,
cannot be ruled out. Particularly in the area around the southern facade opening, all of the preserved ashlars
in the outer wall are badly damaged. Strong shocks are indicated by the vertical cracks and fractures, which
in part led to the loss of some ashlars (Pl. 455 Fig. 810). These findings also fit well with the broad range of
pottery from the theatre excavation, as well as the uncovering of the exterior staircase, which has been inter-
preted as rubble due to the earthquake in the 3rd quarter of the 3rd century AD (Tab. 127; Plan 15. 16)214. In
contrast, the preserved part of the closure wall shows no damage.
The walling-in of the southern entrances to the theatre reduced the possibility of access to the cavea in
the south wing (Plan 17), essentially to the western entrance (ESI West). In addition, the southern exterior
staircase became unusable in some parts through the removing of the covering blocs of the steps215.
East End of the Theatre
Structural changes can also be determined in the area of the portico during the late period, and can be traced
particularly at the entrance openings. Although presumably dismantled to a large extent during the restoration
work, some in situ settings, as well as historical photographs indicate that here, too, the entrances were
walled-in with a mortar bonded masonry consisting of quarry stone, brick, and fragments of marble216.
G. Styhler-Aydin
213 Hofbauer 2007, 74.
214 Cap. 4.5.1.3; 4.6.2 and 4.7.
215 Cap. 3.7.2.
216 De Bernardi Ferrero 1970, 58 Fig. 55. 56; 63 Fig. 73.
11. The Architectural Development of the Theatre from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine Period
So far, the walling-up of the theatre’s slope-side entrances is thought to be associated with its fortifying
function in the Byzantine period (Pl. I)213. The most recent investigations have shown that these measures
should be evaluated differently. Protective measures in the south, or at least for the lower vomitorium ESI,
cannot be ruled out. Particularly in the area around the southern facade opening, all of the preserved ashlars
in the outer wall are badly damaged. Strong shocks are indicated by the vertical cracks and fractures, which
in part led to the loss of some ashlars (Pl. 455 Fig. 810). These findings also fit well with the broad range of
pottery from the theatre excavation, as well as the uncovering of the exterior staircase, which has been inter-
preted as rubble due to the earthquake in the 3rd quarter of the 3rd century AD (Tab. 127; Plan 15. 16)214. In
contrast, the preserved part of the closure wall shows no damage.
The walling-in of the southern entrances to the theatre reduced the possibility of access to the cavea in
the south wing (Plan 17), essentially to the western entrance (ESI West). In addition, the southern exterior
staircase became unusable in some parts through the removing of the covering blocs of the steps215.
East End of the Theatre
Structural changes can also be determined in the area of the portico during the late period, and can be traced
particularly at the entrance openings. Although presumably dismantled to a large extent during the restoration
work, some in situ settings, as well as historical photographs indicate that here, too, the entrances were
walled-in with a mortar bonded masonry consisting of quarry stone, brick, and fragments of marble216.
G. Styhler-Aydin
213 Hofbauer 2007, 74.
214 Cap. 4.5.1.3; 4.6.2 and 4.7.
215 Cap. 3.7.2.
216 De Bernardi Ferrero 1970, 58 Fig. 55. 56; 63 Fig. 73.
