Caesaraugusta's theater documented

The facade framing the front stage was the most attractive architectural feature of the theater, for it was not only the magnificent setting for each performance, but also the place where the citizens paid their respect to the imperial households and its gods. Archeological evidence suggests that the facade was made in straight and curved sections. In it were three valvae or passageways, which gave the actors access from the stage to the postcaenium or backstage area.

At the central and lowest part of the building was the orchestra, essential in Greek theaters, but of lesser in Roman theater, since they relied less on the chorus in their plays. At the center of the original orchestra a rectangular pit was discovered, for concealing, possibly the "Caronte Stairs", from which actors could suddenly spring at the stage during performances (like "John Lanting's Theater of the Laugh"). This space was closed early on.

One of the exciting finds during the excavation, was the head of a princess of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. It belonged to a statue that once decorated the scaenae frons. According to Joe Geranio, admin of various Roman flickr groups, her hair resembles Antonia, the mother of Emperor Claudius. More pictures of Caesaraugusta you can find here!