Small Theater (VIII.7.17)

The Small Theater (VIII.7.17) is an ancient Roman odeion located in the theater area of Pompeii, Italy. It is one of the main buildings in this area, the others being the Large Theatre and the Quadriporticum. Built in 80 BC, the Small Theater follows the plan of other Roman theaters and odeon structures. It had a seating capacity of 1,500 spectators and was intended for council meetings as well as entertainment. The Small Theater is rectangular in shape and has two raised tribunalia reserved for important visitors.

There are five entrances on the stage, including a large double door at the center of the back wall. Opposite this large doorway is a similar doorway opening up to the street. Behind the stage is a long dressing room, or postscaenium. Modern computer reconstructions suggest optimal acoustic quality in the roofed theater, particularly for song and music from weaker instruments like the lyre.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons