South Theater - Jerash, Jordan
N 32° 16.600 E 035° 53.367
36S E 772151 N 3574769
The largest and oldest of the three theaters of Gerasa, built next to the Sanctuary of Zeus.
Waymark Code: WM192MM
Location: Jordan
Date Posted: 11/15/2023
Views: 1
"It is the largest and oldest of the three theaters of ancient Gerasa. Others are the North Theater and the one in Birketein, about 1.7 km north of the archaeological site. The South Theatre was built right next to the Sanctuary of Zeus on the west side of the same hill and may also have served cultic purposes. Although residents scavenged stones from here to build their homes until the 1950s, it remained remarkably well preserved. After extensive, though not always proper, restoration and reconstruction in various phases, the South Theatre, with its excellent acoustics, is used as a main venue for the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts. From the upper rows of seats there is a great view over the archaeological site.
The South Theatre can be dated quite precisely by means of several dedicatory inscriptions. These show that the building was inaugurated around 90 AD, during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96 AD), but was probably not yet completed, because later inscriptions refer to progress at the respective points of the construction. The various dedications of donors reveal the large share that wealthy citizens of Gerasa had in financing the theater.
the South Theater can seat more than 3000 spectators. The first level of the ornate stage, which was originally a two-storey structure, has been reconstructed and is still used today. The theater's remarkable acoustics allow a speaker at the centre of the orchestra floor to be heard throughout the entire auditorium without raising his voice. Two vaulted passages lead into the orchestra, and four passages at the back of the theater give access to the upper rows of seats. Some seats could be reserved and the Greek letters which designate them can still be seen."
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