Greece Trip #13: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Going up or down the Acropolis Hill, you'll get a good glance of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It's an ancient outdoor theatre and this blog will explain it! 

(Photos: Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Credit: R.G)

WHAT IS THE ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS? The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.

WHO BUILT IT? This ancient theater was built in the Roman times, in about 161 A.D. by the Roman philosopher, teacher and politician Herodes Atticus. It was built in the memory of his wife Aspasia Regilla who died in 160 AD.

HOW BIG WAS THE AMPHITHEATER? This semi-circular amphitheater has a wide 1,250 feet radius with a seating capacity of more than 6,000 people. The original wall of the stage stood three stories high and was decorated with marbles and ceramic pieces while today it stands in ruins. The stage and seating area was laid with marble while it has been renovated today. A cedar-wooden roof covered the theatre in the ancient times.

(Photo: Entrance for the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Credit: R.G)

USED TODAY AS A VENUE FOR EVENTS!  - I was surprised to learn the ampitheatre is still used today for events. In ancient times, Odeons were built for musical contests and this ancient stone theatre has gone on to host some of the world’s best musical performances during the last 60 years since its modern-day re-opening, including Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra to name a few.

To Find events at the venue:  https://whyathens.com/odeon-of-herodes-atticus/

WHO WAS HERODES ATTICUS?  According to Myfavouriteplanet.com, Herodes Atticus was one of many wealthy, well-connected Greeks who thrived under the Roman emperors, held public offices and were considered among the intelligentsia of their time. He was elected Agoranomos (official who controlled the marketplace) around 122-125 AD, Archon of Athens in 126/127 AD, was appointed prefect (leader) of the free cities of Asia Minor in 134/135 AD by Emperor Hadrian, and served as a Roman senator and as consul ordinarius (A consul elected to start the year and an honorable position) in 143 AD.

(Photo: Portrait bust of Herodes Atticus,found in February 1961 in the area of his villa in Kifissia, northeast of Athens. Pentelic marble, mid 2nd century AD. Credit: National Archaeological Museum, Athens. Inv. No. 4810.)

 He also served as a presiding officer, at the Panhellenic and Panathenean games (see below), and was a priest of the Roman imperial cult. He was also a Sophist philosopher, orator and teacher and much more. For his FULL bio, click here: http://www.my-favourite-planet.de/english/people/h1/herodes-atticus.html

STREET NAMED FOR HIM IN ATHENS - Herodou Attikou Street (Οδός Ηρώδου Αττικού) in central Athens is named after Herodes Atticus, and Regilles Street and Square (Οδός Ρηγίλλης, often written Rigillis; the square is also known as Platea P. Mela) are named after his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla. The streets run parallel to each other, just east of Syntagma Square and the National Garden, an affluent area in which are located the residences of the president and prime minister of Greece.

(Photo: the group on the walking tour. Tom on the left. Credit: R.G) 

NEXT: A Famously Photographed Street with a Haunting!