Globe A1: The Greek theatre at Epidaurus

This view is taken from outside the theatre, behind the stage and looking towards the auditorium. Note the vast size of this classical auditorium, seating about fifteen thousand spectators and essentially carved out of the actual landscape. This vast theatre was originally designed by Polykleitos the Younger and built in the fourth century B.C. and later extended to accommodate fifteen thousand spectators (as it still does in modern performances). This enormous size resulted from the cult of the healer Asclepius, centered on his supposed birthplace at Epidaurus, which thus became a very popular health spa. The acoustics are perfect despite the size of the auditorium.