 |
| Mid 19th century |
"A question naturally suggests itself to the mind— Was the theatre built within the castle, or was the castle erected around the theatre? I am inclined to think the castle existed previous to the erection of the theatre."
Josias Leslie Porter. Five Years in Damascus Volume II 1855 (p 146).
"The theater's form is semicircular, its diameter being ninety-one yards; and six ranges of benches extend around it. The most remarkable feature of this theatre is the great extent of the arena when compared with the smallness of the number of spectators it could accommodate—probably not over three thousand. Had it been intended for theatrical exhibitions merely, it would not, I think, have been constructed on such a plan. Being within a fortress, and thus designed chiefly for the use of the garrison, the extent of the arena would serve for a circus for the exhibition of athletæ, gladiators, and the various other kinds of Roman games."
Porter (p 148-149).
 |
| Under the French Mandate |
Un important théâtre mesurant 72 mètres de diamètre, avec un hémicycle de six rangées de gradins et une scène de 54 mètres de largeur sur 10 de profondeur.
 |
| 1970's |
This magnificent structure has been surrounded since the 13th century by a Muslim citadel. It is among the largest theaters of the ancient Roman world: more than 100 meters (328 feet) in diameter with 35 rows of seats (total capacity 8,000 - 10,000 spectators. Its stage is 380 square meters (4,090 feet). It reflects the prosperity of the city at the time when, as capital of the Roman province of Arabia, it counted 100,000 inhabitants.
Jacques Ghislain de Maussion de Favières. Damascus Baghdad, Capitals and Lands of the Caliphs. Dar al-Mashreq, Beirut 1972.
No comments:
Post a Comment