Great Theater and Quadroporticus, Pompei (must see)

The Great Theater and Quadriporticus form one of Pompeii’s most impressive public complexes. In contrast to the nearby Odeon, this was the city’s Large Theater, built in the 2nd century BC in the style of ancient Greek theaters. Set into a natural hollow in the land, it had tiered stone seating rising along the slope and a central horseshoe-shaped performance area. Later, under Augustus, the theater was refurbished and extended by the Holconius brothers, wealthy local wine growers, who fitted the seating rows with marble tops and added an upper circle and two side boxes for guests of honour.

With space for up to 5,000 spectators, the theater hosted dramatic performances, musical events, and public gatherings. Seating was carefully divided by social status, and the elder Holconius brother even had his own reserved seat, marked with bronze lettering. A large canopy once shaded the audience, while the opposite side of the theater contained dressing rooms and access to the outer courtyard. After the earthquake of 62 AD, the theater was damaged, the marble seating was removed, and the stage was rebuilt with a grand façade decorated with columns and statues.

Behind the theater stands the Quadriporticus, a large four-sided courtyard surrounded by colonnaded walkways. Its original function was to serve as a grand gathering, foyer, and circulation space for theater audiences during intermissions or bad weather. After the earthquake of 62 AD, however, the complex was repurposed as barracks for gladiators, with the large open central courtyard providing room for exercise and martial training. Excavations uncovered a large quantity of gladiatorial armour, including helmets, belts, and shoulder protectors, some marked with letters linked to Nero’s imperial gladiator school at nearby Capua.