Great Theater and Quadroporticus, Pompei (must see)
In contrast to the nearby Odeon, this venue was known as the Large Theater. It was built in the 2nd century BC, in the style of ancient Greek amphitheaters. Set in a natural indentation of the land, it features tiered stone seating on sloping sides, leading to a central horseshoe-shaped performance area.
The theater reached its peak under the reign of Augustus Caesar, being refurbished and extended by the Holconius brothers, rich wine growers from the region, who fitted the rows of seating with marble tops. Following the earthquake of 62 AD, however, the theater was damaged and the marble was removed. Simultaneously, the stage was rebuilt and a grand fa莽ade added, complete with columns and statues.
The Holconius brothers also added an upper circle and two side boxes for guests of honor. The Large Theater could hold up to 5,000 spectators within segregated seating areas. The eldest Holconius brother had his own reserved seat here, inscribed with bronze lettering. Back then, the theater was covered by a large canopy, protecting the audience from the sun. The opposite side of the amphitheater housed dressing rooms and access to the outer courtyard.
The Quadriporticus, a large four-sided courtyard, is flanked by colonnaded buildings, typical for most Roman dwellings. While there is some uncertainty over its function, it is known that portions of the complex were used as barracks for the town鈥檚 gladiators. The courtyard itself was used for their exercises, being ideally located next to the theater where gladiatorial games were held regularly. It is depicted in the ancient painting, now housed in Naples鈥� National Archaeological Museum, featuring a swimming pool in the center. The pool might have been covered after the site was damaged in the earthquake of 62 AD.
Graffiti carved by the gladiators in the columns of the Quadriporticus hint at public opposition to, and even condemnation of the violent games. A large quantity of gladiatorial armor found at the site, including helmets, belts and shoulder protectors, all marked with the letters NER, suggest that the gladiators came from the Neroniam, Nero鈥檚 imperial school, in nearby Capua.
The theater reached its peak under the reign of Augustus Caesar, being refurbished and extended by the Holconius brothers, rich wine growers from the region, who fitted the rows of seating with marble tops. Following the earthquake of 62 AD, however, the theater was damaged and the marble was removed. Simultaneously, the stage was rebuilt and a grand fa莽ade added, complete with columns and statues.
The Holconius brothers also added an upper circle and two side boxes for guests of honor. The Large Theater could hold up to 5,000 spectators within segregated seating areas. The eldest Holconius brother had his own reserved seat here, inscribed with bronze lettering. Back then, the theater was covered by a large canopy, protecting the audience from the sun. The opposite side of the amphitheater housed dressing rooms and access to the outer courtyard.
The Quadriporticus, a large four-sided courtyard, is flanked by colonnaded buildings, typical for most Roman dwellings. While there is some uncertainty over its function, it is known that portions of the complex were used as barracks for the town鈥檚 gladiators. The courtyard itself was used for their exercises, being ideally located next to the theater where gladiatorial games were held regularly. It is depicted in the ancient painting, now housed in Naples鈥� National Archaeological Museum, featuring a swimming pool in the center. The pool might have been covered after the site was damaged in the earthquake of 62 AD.
Graffiti carved by the gladiators in the columns of the Quadriporticus hint at public opposition to, and even condemnation of the violent games. A large quantity of gladiatorial armor found at the site, including helmets, belts and shoulder protectors, all marked with the letters NER, suggest that the gladiators came from the Neroniam, Nero鈥檚 imperial school, in nearby Capua.
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Great Theater and Quadroporticus on Map
Sight Name: Great Theater and Quadroporticus
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Pompei, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Pompei
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pompei is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pompeii Introduction Walk I
Modern-day Pompei is best known for its ancient predecessor, the Roman city of Pompeii, that fell victim to the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii, first uncovered in the late 18th century, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Presently, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing annually up to 2.5 million visitors.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Pompeii Introduction Walk II
Frozen at the moment it was buried under the thick blanket of ash and pumice, the city of Pompeii (now excavated) remains a unique window into the past, offering a snapshot of everyday life back in the 1st century AD Roman Empire. Aside from causing quick and unexpected death to the city, the huge eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD did have one positive outcome 鈥� it preserved everything (properties,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles