Vitruvius De Architectura V

Abstract

Abstract In Book 5 of De architectura, the main subjects of Vitruvius are the Roman and Greek theatre and their acoustic qualities, explained with the help of several Greek theories. Vitruvius tries to enhance them by introducing a system of assisted resonance. Following the Harmonics of Aristoxenus, he recommends equipping theatre buildings with ἠχεῖα of bronze or earthenware, with the aim of increasing the strength of the voices of actors. Archaeological evidence for such equipment is nonexistent. But in Eastern and Western churches, vessels under the floor and in the walls were found. The Western examples begin in Carolingian times, when De architectura became known again. Thus, there is a debate about whether or not the work of Vitruvius had an influence on Carolingian architecture. The ἠχεῖα of Vitruvius and the resounding vessels in churches work as Helmholtz-Resonators, the sound-absorbing effects of which were used in churches with high internal resonance, while their sound-reinforcing effects were the aim of the ἠχεῖα in theatres.