Acropolis, Odeon of Herod Atticus

On the south-west side of the Acropolis a large semicircle of Marble Seats is built onto the Rock, a gift of the rich Athenian Herodes Atticus between 160 and 170 AD in memory of his wife Regilia. The layout of this Odeon differs from a Greek theater in that the front has a very high three-floored stage facade made of limestone blocks and rubble masonry, which cuts the auditorium exactly on the half circle, whereas a Greek theater's auditorium is usually a three-quarter circle. The cavea is divided into two sectors with five cunei below the diazoma and ten above it. The Odeon was roofed using long cedar timber imported from Lebanon. The interior had floor mosaics, walls paneled with colored Marble, Decorated stage Columns and numerous statues that were displayed in niches. The auditorium was excavated and restored and is well preserved. The orchestra with its Marble flooring and the frame of the three-floored Roman skena is also well preserved.