The Theater

Recent history of the Theater

The theater at Epidaurus was uncovered by the Athenian Archaeological Society, which excavated the site around the turn of the century. The auditorium survived the delapidation of all building material suffered by any structure standing above ground during Middle Ages, due to landslide or gradual silting that covered it with soil. On the contrary, almost nothing survived of the stage building itself except scattered architectural members, thankfully enough to allow archaeologists and architects to reconstruct its form at least on paper. EpidaurusApart from a summary report by the archeaologist P. Kavvadias in his general book dedicated to the results of the excavations at Epidaurus, the theater was thoroughly measured and studied by Armin von Gerkan and Wolfgang Mueller-Wiener of the German Archaeological Institute. The results of their studies were published in "Das Theater von Epidauros"
(W.Kohlhammer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1961).

The present state of the theater is the result of extensive restoration work carried out during the 20th century. Restoration included complete rebuilding of the collapsed retaining walls, and the gateways as well as reconstruction of the lateral seat wedges.

Since the beginning of the current decade the Greek Ministry of Culture has undertaken additional restoration work focusing on the auditorium and the gateways. At the same time concerted efforts are made to enhance the protection of the theater against overworning, by regulating the access of visitors and its use during the summer festivals. After World War II the Greek Tourist Organization initiated a Summer Festival of Greek Drama, which for years has been a major cultural event.

Lately the whole site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, including the theater, was enlisted in the List of International Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

The building of the Theater
Description of the Theater
Recent history of the Theater