Theater of Pompeii The theater of Pompeii is situated near the Triangular Forum in the southwestern quadrant of the town.

The theater of Pompeii was built during the Hellenistic period (3rd - 2nd century BC) in the usual Greek fashion. The seating area (cavea) is set into the natural slope of a ridge; the orchestra is horseshoe shaped; the theater connects to a large porticoed area in which spectators could stroll during the intervals between spectacles. Additionally, the theater is associated with a temple complex and thus reflects the sacral character of Greek theater performances. The seating capacity was 5,000 people. An awning (velarium) stretched over the whole of the cavea to protect the spectators from the sun and rain.

The present theater in Pompeii has undergone various modifications, but the basic design remains the same. Many elements are due to restorations made during the Augustan period under the patronage of Marcus Holconius Rufus and his brother Marcus Holoconius Celer. They were members of a wealthy family which held the most important civic offices in Pompeii.

Around the time of Sulla (80 BC), a smaller concert hall (odeum) was built adjacent to the larger theater. Apparently its construction had been foreseen in the town plan of the entire area during the Samnite period. The duoviri Q. Valquo and M. Porcius were responsible for having the concert hall built. It consisted of a theater-type cavea constructed within a square perimeter wall on which the roof rested. It was meant for more intimate spectacles, such as musical auditions, poetry recitals, and mime performances, Its seating capacity was about 1,500 people.