Volterra Roman Theatre

Discovery and Excavation of the Volterra Roman Theatre

The Roman theatre of Volterra, a significant archaeological find, was unearthed in the 1950s during excavations led by Enrico Fiumi. Situated just outside the Porta Fiorentina in Vallebuona, this theatre stands as one of Italy’s most well-preserved Roman theatres.

Construction of the Theatre

Constructed in the late 1st century BC during the Augustan period, the theatre’s funding came from the affluent Caecina family of Volterra. The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum houses a dedicatory epigraph naming Gaius Caecina Largus and Aulus Caecina Severus, the latter serving as consul from 2–1 BCE, as the theatre’s dedicators.

Leveraging the natural slope of the hill for its construction, akin to Greek theatres, the theatre’s location was chosen for its absence of existing structures, only featuring containment works from the 2nd century BC. This strategic choice facilitated the theatre’s integration into the landscape.

Architectural Features

The theatre’s cavea, with seats crafted from local limestone, could accommodate up to 3,500 spectators. Some seats bore the names of influential Volterran families, highlighting the social hierarchy and the families’ prominence.

The scaenae frons, measuring 36 meters in length, showcased an elaborate design typical of the Augustan period’s architectural experimentation. It featured a large curved niche at its center, leading to the rooms behind the scena. The two-story scena, adorned with Corinthian columns and reaching nearly 16 meters in height, was decorated with statues of Emperor Augustus and Empress Livia. The excavation unearthed three statue heads, now displayed in the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Parts of the scena standing today were reconstructed in the late 1970s from the original fragments found on site.

The orchestra area, paved in colored marble, raises questions about its originality or if it was a later addition during a mid-1st century AD restoration. The theatre also featured a velarium, an awning providing shade to the audience, supported by poles set into corbels around the cavea.

Subsequent Use and Decline

By the end of the 3rd century, the theatre fell out of use. A public bath was constructed in the area behind the scena during the 3rd to 4th centuries, marking a shift in the site’s function.

Excavation Efforts

Initial discoveries of Roman remains in 1941 during the creation of a sports field in Vallebuona prompted the eventual excavation led by Fiumi in 1950. Despite not being a professional archaeologist, Fiumi’s passion for archaeology and local history, coupled with his role at the Psychiatric Hospital of Volterra, facilitated this significant archaeological endeavor. The excavation team comprised hospital patients and staff, integrating ergotherapy into the project. In recognition of their contributions, plaques were installed in 1952 and 1993 to honor the patients and Fiumi, respectively.

Cultural Legacy

Today, the Roman theatre of Volterra serves not only as a testament to Roman architectural ingenuity but also as a cultural venue. Each summer, it hosts an international festival, founded by actor and director Simone Migliorini, breathing new life into this ancient structure.

The Roman theatre of Volterra, through its discovery, excavation, and ongoing use, continues to be a pivotal site for understanding Roman architecture, social hierarchies, and cultural practices, as well as a source of inspiration for contemporary cultural expressions.

Sources:
Wikipedia