The two-story
auditorium seated around 1,000 spectators and was equipped with a raised stage and marble-paved
orchestra. On three sides it was surrounded by a subterranean
cryptoporticus with
stoae above. The building was decorated externally with
Corinthian pilasters. The main entrance for spectators was originally on the south side of the building, with access from the terrace of the
Middle Stoa. The north facade only had a small
portico to give access to the stage. Unfortunately, the span of the auditorium eventually caused the roof to collapse in around 150 AD. The Odeon was rebuilt as a smaller lecture hall, seating only 500, and a more elaborate facade was added to the north side. Its massive pillars were carved in the form of 'giants' (snake tails) and 'tritons' (fish tails). The Odeon was finally destroyed in 267 AD by the
Herulians. A sprawling palace was built on the site in the early 5th century AD with the pillars of the northern facade being used to create a monumental entrance. == See also ==