The Ancient Theater of Delphi, in the northeast corner of the Sanctuary of Apollo. This held the musical contests of the Pythian Games, as well as musical elements of religious festivals and rituals.
A view from the Ancient Theater of Delphi overlooking the Temple of Apollo. The Theater sits at the Northeastern corner of the temenos wall delineating the Sanctuary of Apollo, and provided a view of the entire sanctuary from the top. The date of the original theater is unknown, but the first stone iteration was constructed in the 4th century BCE. The iteration seen here was the product of a restoration funded by Eumenes II of Pergamon in 160/159 BCE. In the first century CE, a relief frieze was built at the front of the Theater, depicting the labors of Hercules. This is thought to have been a measure to appease Roman Emperor Nero before his visit to delphi in 67. The seats are white marble sourced from Mt. Parnassus, and in total the Theater could seat about five thousand spectators.
Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Delphi Theater.
