Theatrum Marcelli
About
Permanent stone theater begun by Julius Caesar and completed/dedicated by Augustus in 13 BCE, named for his deceased nephew and heir-apparent Marcellus; one of the earliest permanent theaters in Rome, seating roughly 11,000-20,000. Standing and in use in 117 CE.
What happened here
Seating is the message: the front rows are reserved by law for the town council, and everyone can see who is sitting where. The building is a half-circle against a tall stone backdrop that also serves as a permanent set, and the acoustics are good enough that an actor can be heard without effort. The programme is mime and pantomime more than the old tragedies — bawdy, topical, sometimes politically sharp enough that performers get exiled. Audiences are loud, partisan, and quite prepared to shout a piece down. Awnings and perfumed water sprays are laid on when the sponsor is generous. Shows are attached to religious festivals and paid for by a magistrate who wants the credit, and his name is on the seating.
In ancient writing
- Suetonius, Divus Augustus 29.4
Lists the theatre among the works Augustus built in another's name, dedicating it to his dead nephew Marcellus.
Sources
Roman Maps shows the empire frozen at 11 August 117 CE, the day Trajan died — its moment of greatest territorial extent. Explore the full map →