The theater of Herodes Atticus


The theater dating back to the Roman period in Athens was built near the Acropolis in the year 161 CE. Elsewhere, on the southern slope of the Acropolis, lies the Greek-era Dionysus Theater, originally constructed in the archaic period around 500 BCE. Herodes Atticus built the theater in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. Interestingly, Atticus was accused of murdering his wife in court, but the emperor acquitted him of the charges.

The theater of Herodes Atticus. Photo by OI

 
Herodes Atticus was born around 101 in Marathon, Attica, and died in the same place in 177. He was a renowned orator and representative of sophistry (an intellectual movement where, from the time of Nero to Hadrian, Greek speakers imitated classical rhetoric and spoke in Greek on classical subjects in Rome). Hadrian appointed him prefect of the province of Asia, and in Athens, he served as an archon. Herodes Atticus built several public buildings in Athens and other parts of Greece, such as aqueducts, stadiums, and theaters. He also served as a teacher to Marcus Aurelius.

Herodes Atticus married Regilla, a 14-year-old from an influential Roman family, in 139. The groom was 40 years old. The marriage was arranged in the Roman fashion. Regilla was killed by Atticus's freedman named Alcimedon, who kicked the pregnat Regilla in the stomach. This caused a miscarriage and her death. Regilla's brother filed a lawsuit against Atticus, claiming that he had arranged the assault on his wife. However, Marcus Aurelius acquitted his former teacher. In Athens, two streets are named after them, Herodou Attikou and Rēgíllēs. Bust of Herodes Atticus, 2nd century. From Atticus's villa in Kephissia, National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Haiduc. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.


Herodes Atticus Theater (which could also be called Regilla's Theater) was situated on a slope, with a three-tiered wall in front of it and covered with cedarwood imported from Lebanon. This building was also destroyed during the Herulian invasion in 267.

Félix Bonfils (1831–1885). Athens, Odeon theater, circa 1868–1875. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.


The theater was restored in 1950, and it has a seating capacity of 5,000. The theater serves as a concert hall, and it is also referred to as Odeon or Herodeon.

Herbert von Karajan conducting the first concert of the 1939 summer season at the Odeon in Athens. The concert from the Berlin State Opera was attended by the King of Greece and numerous dignitaries. Scherl picture service. Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
The theater in March 2022. Photos by OI.



Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Kreikka

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