Over two thousand years ago, the Romans occupied the area that is now known as Lyon, France. In order to provide entertainment for their inhabitants here, they built two theaters on the Fourvière hill overlooking the city. The larger of the theaters was constructed in stages. Beginning around 15 BC, Augustus had a 295 foot diameter theater constructed for comedies and tragedies. By the start of the second century, this was enlarged to 354 feet in diameter in order to provide more audience space (up to 10,000 people). As the largest Roman theater in France, this was divided into three sections; (1) the “Cavea” was the lowest portion of the theater, directly surrounding the orchestra. During bad weather, a “velum” - or awning - was stretched over the Cavea for cover; (2) the “Balteus” was a wall separating the Plebeians (free Roman citizens ) from the Patricians (aristocrats); (3) the semi-circular stage - often decorated with multi-colored geometric patterns - was where the dancers, actors, and choir performed. On the upper portion of the hill, overlooking both theaters are ruins of what were described as vendor establishments (e.g. food and souvenirs).
The smaller theater (3000 seats), known as the “Odeon” ( Greek for “theater”) was built during the reign of Hadrian and was used for music, poetry and political or philosophical orators. This was situated next to the larger theater.
Today, these two well preserved theaters are primarily tourist attractions, although the larger one still offers occasional performances (while we were exploring this site, we saw folks setting up equipment for one such performance).
The smaller theater (3000 seats), known as the “Odeon” ( Greek for “theater”) was built during the reign of Hadrian and was used for music, poetry and political or philosophical orators. This was situated next to the larger theater.
Today, these two well preserved theaters are primarily tourist attractions, although the larger one still offers occasional performances (while we were exploring this site, we saw folks setting up equipment for one such performance).
In the foreground is the 10,000 seat main theater on the Fourvière Hill in Lyon. In the background is the 3000 seat Odeon theater. These two are just a stone’s throw from the Basillica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière which overlooks the city.
One of the distinguishing features of the Odeon theater is the mosaic tiled performance area (seen here in the foreground).
Even though we are standing on the Odeon’s stage, we are NOT performing on this date (LOL) -just visiting.
Above both theaters are ruins of what some believe were shops...
...which probably offered food items and/or souvenirs during performances.
During our visit to the theaters, we watched as stage crews set up equipment for a scheduled performance at the larger theater. The portable platform at the top of the track appeared to be bringing audio equipment to the area at the upper seats of the amphitheater.
Loading the equipment onto the portable platform....
...while work on the stage continues.
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