Teanum Sidicinum

End of 2nd c. BCE.

Cavea Width: 85 meters
Orchestra Width: 35 meters

The Roman theatre of Teanum Sidicinum, located in modern Teano, Italy (ancient Teanum Sidicinum), represents a traditional Roman theatre that underwent significant expansion during the Imperial period. The cavea measures 78 meters in diameter, later enlarged to 85 meters, with seating divided into ima, media, and summa cavea sections accommodating approximately 6,000-7,000 spectators; the theatre faces east. The orchestra features polychrome marble paving with surrounding balteus wall and three steps for bisellia. Construction began in the late 2nd century BCE with major renovations in the second quarter of the 2nd century CE and final decorative enhancements during the reign of Gordian III in the late 2nd/early 3rd century CE. Currently, the site remains partially excavated with significant portions of the cavea substructure and scene building foundations visible, though it faces ongoing preservation challenges from weathering and vegetation growth despite recent stabilization efforts by Italian archaeological authorities.

The Teanum Sidicium (modern Teano, Italy

The city of Teanum Sidicinum served as the principal settlement of the Sidicini, an Italic people who controlled the fertile valley between the Volturno and Liri rivers. The city gained prominence during the Samnite Wars and received Roman citizenship following the Social War of 91-88 BCE. Under Roman rule, Teanum Sidicinum flourished as a municipium, becoming an important regional center along the Via Latina connecting Rome to southern Italy.

Theatre History

The theatre at Teanum Sidicinum underwent multiple construction phases spanning nearly four centuries. Initial construction began in the late 2nd century BCE, reflecting the growing Roman influence in the region. The structure received major renovations during the second quarter of the 2nd century CE, demonstrating the continued importance of theatrical entertainment in provincial Roman society. The building remained in use until at least the 3rd century CE, when it received final decorative enhancements during the reign of Gordian III.

Architectural Specifications

The following specifications are drawn from Frank Sear’s reference book, Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study (Oxford University Press, 2006), except where otherwise noted.

Location

• Modern city, Country: Teano, Italy
• Orientation: Facing east

Cavea (seating area)

• Diameter: Originally 78 meters, later enlarged to 85 meters
• Estimated capacity: Approximately 6,000-7,000 spectators
• Seating divisions:
  • Ima cavea (lower seating): Unknown number of rows
  • Media cavea (middle seating): Seats measuring 0.44 × 0.74 meters
  • Summa cavea (upper seating): Additional tiers added during expansion
• Construction materials: Local tufa stone blocks without mortar, regular opus reticulatum (diamond-pattern stonework)
• Substructures: Twenty-four contiguous barrel-vaulted chambers intercommunicating through reduced arched apertures; three-tier external ambulacrum (walkway) added around cavea in 2nd century CE

Orchestra (performance space between audience and stage)

• Dimensions: Paved in polychrome marble
• Shape: Semicircular with surrounding balteus wall (barrier wall)
• Special features: Three steps for bisellia (honorary seats for magistrates)

Pulpitum (stage)

• Dimensions: Length 40.75 meters, width 6.70 meters
• Construction details: Alternately curved and rectangular niches in proscaenium (stage front)

Scaenae Frons (decorative scene house front)

• Architectural order: Two-story Corinthian colonnade, height approximately 24 meters
• Design: Rectilinear scaenae frons with elaborate decoration
• Doorways: Three standard openings (regia center door, hospitalia side doors)
• Decorative elements: Incorporated granite column shafts, colored marble columns up to 6.5 meters high with winged victories on capitals

Current Status

The theatre remains partially excavated with significant portions of the cavea substructure and scene building foundations visible. The complex three-tier ambulacrum system represents one of the best-preserved examples of this architectural feature in Campania. However, the site faces ongoing challenges from weathering, vegetation growth, and limited conservation resources.

Conservation Efforts

Recent conservation initiatives have focused on stabilizing exposed masonry and improving drainage systems to prevent water damage. The Soprintendenza Archeologica has implemented protective measures for the most significant architectural elements, though comprehensive restoration remains pending adequate funding.

Ancient Renovation History

Phase I (Late 2nd century BCE): Initial construction featuring traditional Republican design with converging analemmata and simple staging arrangements.

Phase II (Second quarter, 2nd century CE): Major expansion increasing diameter from 78 to 85 meters, addition of three-tier external ambulacrum system, and enhancement of substructure network for improved circulation.

Phase III (Late 2nd/early 3rd century CE): Final decorative phase completed during reign of Gordian III, featuring installation of high-quality sculptural program with urban Roman workshop traditions incorporating Asiatic technical influences.

Archaeological Research

Archaeological investigation of Teanum Sidicinum theatre began in the mid-20th century under the direction of Werner Johannowsky, who conducted systematic excavations between 1961-1976. Johannowsky’s work, published in Bollettino d’Arte (1963) and various conference proceedings, established the basic chronological framework and architectural sequence.

Subsequent research by Italian archaeological teams in the 1970s-1980s focused on clarifying the complex substructure system and analyzing the decorative program. Notable contributions include work by the University of Naples team documenting the three-tier ambulacrum system.

The site received renewed attention in the 1990s with conservation-focused studies examining structural stability and deterioration patterns. Digital documentation projects in the early 21st century have created comprehensive architectural records using photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques.

Major publications include Johannowsky’s seminal articles in Bollettino d’Arte 48 (1963) and contributions to Hellenismus in Mittelitalien (1976), along with regional surveys in Teatri Greci e Romani edited by Mitens.

Bibliography / Resources:

Johannowsky, Werner. “BdA 48 (1963), 152–65.” Bollettino d’Arte, vol. 48, 1963, pp. 152-165.

—. “Hellenismus in Mittelitalien.” Kolloquium in Göttingen, 1974, pp. 267-288.

—. “FA 18–19 (1963–4), 4411–12.” Fasti Archaeologici, vols. 18-19, 1963-64, pp. 4411-4412.

—. “FA 24–5 (1969–70), 4008.” Fasti Archaeologici, vols. 24-25, 1969-70, p. 4008.

Mitens, Karel. Teatri Greci e Romani alle origini del linguaggio rappresentativo contemporaneo. Seat, 1988, pp. 172-174.

Nissen, Heinrich. Italische Landeskunde. Vol. 2, Weidmann, 1902, p. 693.

Sear, Frank. Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study. Oxford University Press, 2006, pp. 138-139.

“Teano – Teatro Romano.” Soprintendenza Archeologica di Salerno, Avellino, Benevento e Caserta, www.soprintendenza-sa-av-bn-ce.beniculturali.it.

“The Roman Theatre of Teanum Sidicinum.” Archaeological Institute of America, www.archaeological.org/news/theatre-teanum.