Theatres, Hippodromes, Amphitheatres, and Performances

Roman Palestine's public spectacles, including theatres and amphitheatres, were strategically distributed and financed, with their origins traced back to Herod's constructions in Jericho, Jerusalem, and Caesarea. These structures served multiple purposes: theatres hosted performances, while hippodromes and stadiums accommodated athletic contests and chariot races, and amphitheatres staged gladiatorial combats. The study also delves into the societal attitudes of Jewish communities towards these Roman spectacles. By analyzing architectural patterns, financing models, and historical records, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution, function, and cultural impact of these public spaces in ancient Palestine.

Weiss, Z. (2010). Theatres, Hippodromes, Amphitheatres, and Performances. In (Editor), Oxford Handbooks Online. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199216437.013.0034