Amphitheatres did not need superior acoustics, unlike those provided by the structure of a Roman theatre. However, they are two entirely different structures, with specific layouts that lend to the different events they held. They were constructed out of the same material, Roman concrete, and provided a place for the public to go and see numerous events throughout the Empire. There exist similarities between the theatres and amphitheatres of ancient Rome/Italy. Because of the Romans’ ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes. Roman theatres were built in all areas of the empire from medieval-day Spain, to the Middle East. The Arausio is still standing today and, with its amazing structural acoustics and having had its seating reconstructed, can be seen to be a marvel of Roman architecture.Interior view of the auditorium: 1) Scaenae frons 2) Porticus post scaenam 3) Pulpitum 4) Proscaenium 5) Orchestra 6) Cavea 7) Aditus maximus 8) Vomitorium , Roman theatre of Bosra, Syria Arausio, the theatre in modern-day Orange, France, is a good example of a classic Roman theatre, with an indented scaenae frons, reminiscent of Western Roman theatre designs, however missing the more ornamental structure. Inside Rome, few theatres have survived the centuries following their construction, providing little evidence about the specific theatres. Some Roman theatres show signs of never having been completed in the first place. This practice was due to a moratorium on permanent theatre structures that lasted until 55 BC when the Theatre of Pompey was built with the addition of a temple to avoid the law.
Some Roman theatres, constructed of wood, were torn down after the festival for which they were erected concluded. The auditorium was not roofed rather, awnings ( vela) could be pulled overhead to provide shelter from rain or sunlight. All theatres built within the city of Rome were completely man-made without the use of earthworks. This was of course not always the case as Romans tended to build their theatres regardless of the availability of hillsides. The central part of the auditorium was hollowed out of a hill or slope, while the outer radian seats required structural support and solid retaining walls. The auditorium, the area in which people gathered, was sometimes constructed on a small hill or slope in which stacked seating could be easily made in the tradition of the Greek Theatres. Vomitoria or entrances and exits were made available to the audience. The theatre itself was divided into the stage (orchestra) and the seating section (auditorium). Eventually, it became a part of the edifice itself, made out of concrete. The scaenae was originally not part of the building itself, constructed only to provide sufficient background for the actors. The Roman theatre also had a podium, which sometimes supported the columns of the scaenae frons. The Hellenistic influence is seen through the use of the proscaenium. The proscaenium was a wall that supported the front edge of the stage with ornately decorated niches off to the sides. The scaenae frons was a high back wall of the stage floor, supported by columns. These buildings were semi-circular and possessed certain inherent architectural structures, with minor differences depending on the region in which they were constructed. Their design, with its semicircular form, enhances the natural acoustics, unlike Roman amphitheatres constructed in the round.
While amphitheatres would feature races and gladiatorial events, theatres hosted events such as plays, pantomimes, choral events, and orations. There exist similarities between the theatres and amphitheatres of ancient Rome/Italy. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes. Roman theatres were built in all areas of the empire from medieval-day Spain, to the Middle East. Theatre StructureInterior view of the auditorium: 1) Scaenae frons 2) Porticus post scaenam 3) Pulpitum 4) Proscaenium 5) Orchestra 6) Cavea 7) Aditus maximus 8) Vomitorium, Roman theatre of Bosra, Syria
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