Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 5(5), pp. 185 - 192
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2017.050504
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The Astronomical Orientation of Ancient Greek Theatres in Relation to the Topography and the Greek Mythology

George Pantazis ^*
Laboratory of General Geodesy, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

ABSTRACT

The study of the astronomical orientation of monuments in Greece has been strengthened over the last decade by the development and application of contemporary methods of measurement and analysis. The study has highlighted important findings related to monuments from the Antiquity up to the modern era. This study includes monuments of the classical antiquity, early Christian basilicas, Byzantine temples and mosques. However, an equally important Monument category is the ancient theatres. These monuments due to both their size and usefulness became the subject of study in this paper. This paper presents the results of a systematic research concerning the determination of the astronomical orientation of six ancient theatres in Greece. At the same time, the interpretation of their orientation and their possible relation to the mythology, the position and movement of constellations and the topography of their site is also studied. The geometric data produced with modern accurate methods of measurement and analysis certainly contributes to a more thorough study and interpretation of the placement and orientation of such large ancient constructions. This systematic research is carried out for six of the most important theatres in Greece. These are the ancient theatres of Dionysus, Delphi, Epidaurus, Ancient Epidaurus, Argos and Sicyon.

KEYWORDS
Ancient Theaters, Astronomical Orientation, Geometric Documentation, Astrogeodetic Method, Dionysus, Delphi, Epidaurus, Ancient Epidaurus Argos, Sicyon

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] George Pantazis , "The Astronomical Orientation of Ancient Greek Theatres in Relation to the Topography and the Greek Mythology," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 5, No. 5, pp. 185 - 192, 2017. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2017.050504.

(b). APA Format:
George Pantazis (2017). The Astronomical Orientation of Ancient Greek Theatres in Relation to the Topography and the Greek Mythology. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 5(5), 185 - 192. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2017.050504.