Roman Odeon of Kos — Attraction in Municipality of Kos

The Roman Odeon of Kos is an ancient theater located in the city of Kos, one of the islands in the Dodecanese group in Greece. The theater was built during the Roman period, likely in the 2nd or 3rd century AD, and is one of the island's most significant monuments. Key details about the Roman Odeon of Kos Architecture and Layout: The theater features the classic Roman layout with a semicircular seating area and a stage building, which typically included a backdrop for performances. The seating for the audience was arranged in tiers to maximize acoustic and visual experience. Use and Function. The Roman Odeon of Kos was used for theatrical performances and musical events. In its time, it served as an important cultural and social center for the city. Condition. Today, the Roman Odeon of Kos is partially in ruins, but some sections are well-preserved. Archaeological excavations and conservation efforts have helped maintain the monument, and the theater remains a significant point of interest for visitors to the island. Significance. The Roman Odeon of Kos is part of the cultural heritage of Kos and provides valuable insights into ancient Roman architecture and the cultural life...

The Odeum or Arena of Kos is a very interesting structure. It is only very small but it features two unique points of interest.

1. It is possible to enter the cave like structure under the Odeum. There are passage ways, partly painted, that are very cooling, and where the actors or gladiators who used to act or fight in the odeum may have stayed before and after the games or show. Entry is free of charge but only possible during opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. Just outside the Odeum on the Eastern side of its walls is a structure covered by tent material. Under this structure you can view a beautiful mosaic. It is not possible to enter this structure, luckily, but you can see it from the top of the Odeon, when looking East and downwards.

3. Right opposite of the entrance to the Odeon of Kos is a very large Roman Spa facility, free of charge, and also open from 10 am to 6 p.m. It is called the...

The Roman Odeon in Kos Town was built in the 2nd century AD, was consequently damaged by the 142 AD earthquake, then repaired during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 137-161). It was located in the SW quarter of the Roman city of Kos with its aristocratic urban villas (like the Roman House or Casa Romana), to the South of the processional thoroughfare (Decumanus maximus) located in the Western archaeological area, on the other side of Leof. Grigoriou V. It was discovered and excavated by Italian archeologist Luciano Laurenzi in 1929 and then restored during the period of Italian occupation.

The odeum was the venue for the public sessions of the senate as well as for music contests. It is very possible that competitions of encomia (high praise, eulogy) for the Roman emperors were held on the occasion of the quinquennial festival of the Great Asklepieia, when musicians and poets from Greece and Asia gathered on the...