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The ‘Market Theatre’ Complex and Associated Structures, Cyrene

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2015

J. B. Ward-Perkins  and
S. C. Gibson
S. C. Gibson
Affiliation:
Oxford
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Abstract

This is a summary account, based on a detailed report first published in Libya Antiqua, of the so-called ‘Market Theatre’ complex. This complex comprises a number of closely linked structures situated near the heart of ancient Cyrene and was excavated by the late R. G. Goodchild in the 1950s. After his death, it was resurveyed for publication in 1971. The various component structures (the ‘Market’, the Stepped Street, the ‘Forehall’, the Valley Street frontage, the Propylon, the Building with the Windswept Capitals and the Theatre) are described in the context of three broad periods of construction observed in this area.

Goodchild's original interpretation of the main porticoed building as a market, rather than as a temple precinct is defended, as is his belief that the late Roman theatre exhibited only one period of construction. The single closely datable structure is the Severan propylon, but, from observed structural relationships and architectural similarities, some suggestions are made as to the chronology of development in this quarter of Cyrene.

Type
Articles
Information
Libyan Studies , Volume 18 , 1987 , pp. 43 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Libyan Studies 1987

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