Near Eastern Theatres in Late Antiquity

Abstract

HIS PAPER EXAMINES THE THEATRES AT Bostra, Caesarea, Neapolis (Nablus), and Petra in their final centuries of use, considering in particular their architectural form, their function, and the circumstances of their eventual abandonment. The analysis ties into two lines of investigation into the nature of public spectacles in late antiquity. On the one hand, architectural evidence has suggested to several scholars that theatres were adapted in late antiquity for the production of a wide array of spectacles, including gladiatorial combat, venationes, and aquatic shows.1 On the other hand, the importance of theatrical entertainment in late antique Rome is confirmed by the codex-calendar of A.D. 354, in which 177 days are associated with ludi scaenici and circenses.2 Various literary sources indicate the persistent popularity of festivals and theatrical entertainment in the Near East as well.3 This study offers a re-interpretation of the later form of theatres in the Near East in light of the regional architectural tradition and the strength of the literary testimony.4 The earliest known theatres in the Near East were constructed at the end of the first century B.C. and beginning of the first century A.D., during programs undertaken in Judaea and Nabataea by local kings under the influence of Rome, and in Syria byJulius Caesar and Augustus.5 The number of imperial dedications