Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine: A Roman Theatre in France
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.6
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- France
- Primary era
- Classical
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Classical
- Civilizations
- Roman
- Site type
- Entertainment
- Remains
- Theatre
On this page7 sections
History
Théâtre Antique de Vaison-la-Romaine is a Roman theatre in France, built in the 1st century AD, probably during the reign of Emperor Claudius. It formed part of the monumental complex of Vasio Vocontiorum, the principal city of the Vocontii, a Gallic people whose territory was incorporated into the Roman world.
Roman foundation and later decline
The theatre was constructed against Puymin Hill as part of the Roman city’s monumental development. With the spread of Christianity, it fell out of use and was partly demolished. Its stone was later quarried, contributing to the loss of parts of the ancient structure.
Rediscovery and archaeological work
The theatre was rediscovered during the 19th century, and excavations began in 1837. Work in that century uncovered the Diadumenus of Vaison, a Roman copy of a statue by the Greek sculptor Polykleitos. The original subject is an athlete tying a victory fillet around his head. The statue is now held by the British Museum.
From 1912, Joseph Sautel directed excavations that brought to light imperial statues representing Claudius, Domitian, Hadrian, and Tiberius. Statues of Hadrian and his wife Sabina, both carved in white marble, were also found. These works are housed in the Théo Desplans Archaeological Museum in Vaison-la-Romaine.
Protection, restoration, and present use
The theatre was classified as a French historic monument in 1862. Restoration campaigns in 1932–1934 and 2005–2008 helped protect the surviving remains, while extensive restoration was carried out under the direction of J. Formigé. The restored structure continues to serve as an open-air performance venue, including for Vaison-la-Romaine’s annual dance festival and triennial choral festival.
Remains
Built into the slope of Puymin Hill, the theatre used the natural terrain to support its auditorium. Its surviving remains include the tiered seating area, the stage and tall rear wall, two stone arcades, and underground spaces associated with theatrical machinery.
Auditorium and stage
The cavea, the auditorium or tiered seating area, contained 32 rows. Estimates place the ancient capacity between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators, while the restored theatre accommodates 5,000. The stage measured approximately 8 metres in depth and 23 metres in width.
A stage wall rose approximately 25 metres behind the performance area. Its numerous niches helped absorb echoes and improve the acoustics. Two stone arcades also survive. During the Renaissance, these arcades were described as the only visible remains of the theatre.
Underground performance machinery
Twelve underground vaulted spaces lay beneath the theatre and contained mechanisms used during performances. Eleven pits connected with the curtain system remain visible. Wooden masts and panels formed the curtain, while pulleys probably operated it during heroic or historical scenes.
