Nikon D7200, 12-24mm f/4G lens @14mm f/8, aperture priority. Lightly edited in post for contrast and saturation. |
"Entertainment — Epidaurus is a large theater, but not the largest theater of that time, and that is actually why it survives. It was cheaply built, materials scrambled together from the peristyle court of old earthquake-ruins, and was not a very important building to the locals. Epidarans had their own theater in the city. This theater on the mountain was for pilgrims, and really turned into a commercial enterprise. It was out of the way and drab, which is likely why nobody bothered to destroy it. Thus, Epidaurus is the best preserved of all Hellenistic theaters. "This shift from detailed, sacred structure to minimalistic, cheap building was part of Rome's overall shift toward entertainment. The coliseum in Rome likewise was colossal, minimal, and turned sacred rituals into spectator sport. This is also why Epidaurus is relevant to us today, as theater drama and musical art is secular and entertainment-based. This triumph of early theatre still stands as a model for today's performance halls." — "Epidaurus Theater: Transition From Ritual To Entertainment", Architecture Revived |
