The Theatre at Messene: An Architectural Study

The theatre at Messene, long recognised for its cultural and historical significance, has remained underrepresented in modern scholarship. This monograph offers the first comprehensive study of the monument, combining meticulous documentation of the remarkably well-preserved ruins and surviving architectural fragments with a detailed architectural reconstruction. Drawing on high-resolution surveys and an extensive analysis of the theatre’s structural remains, this study traces the transformation of Greek into Roman theatre architecture on the Greek mainland. It sheds light on the reuse of Hellenistic building material in the later Roman scaenae frons, and explores the evolution of Hellenistic scene building – particularly the development of mobile wooden stage constructions – through literary evidence and comparative case studies. Special attention is given to the ephemeral and experimental aspects of ancient architecture, including mechanisms derived from siege technology and motive power, offering new insights into ancient engineering and design practices. The reconstruction of building phases aligned with historical periods allows for a deeper understanding of the theatre’s long and complex history. By integrating architectural drawing, material analysis, and interpretative scholarship, this volume contributes to the examination of ancient construction practices and the processes involved in the creation and renovation of theatre architecture.

Available in open access from June 2027

Table of contents

Example chapter (Introduction)