Remains of Ancient Greco-Roman Syracuse

While researching the ancient Greek theater in Syracuse, Sicily, in connection with last Wednesday's "Guess What," I became confused. A caption for a photo of a Greek-looking theater mentioned a Greek amphitheater. To me, in addition to its literal meaning, the word amphitheater conjures up images of gladiators and wild beasts. While the Romans may have staged such events in any appropriate flat area with seating for spectators, the picture I was looking at looked like the setting for a play, not a deadly game.

Some writers seemed to distinguish between a Greek amphitheater and a Roman amphitheater, with the Roman amphitheater dated to before Rome took over Syracuse.

This may have been an issue of hypercorrection. The people saying amphitheater probably thought it was to be preferred to theater. Perhaps they thought it was right in the context of an outdoor place or an area that fell into Roman hands. Actually, I don't know. What I do know is that I was confused. And I may still be missing something.

While I'm not certain I've ironed out all the details, I have made an attempt to provide background on some of the sites of Syracuse, Sicily, still visible today. See Remains of Ancient Greco-Roman Syracuse.

As always, please let me know if I've made mistakes.

Photo of the Theater CC Flickr User Alun Salt.