I. Introduction to the science of archeology (methods, aims, importance) and analysis of its relationship with the research of the ancient theater
II. Terms and concepts: the terminology of the ancient theater, philological sources that provide information about the ancient theater, the iconography related to the ancient theater (vase painting, mosaic representations, corroplast, wall paintings). Basic archaeological terminology
III. The first theater buildings: Thorikos, Ramnous, Ikarion Attica, Evonymon, Acharnes. Analysis of the theater typology “with straight seats”. The orchestra in the Ancient Agora and the problematic related to it. Reference to the Dionysian cult and its importance for the birth of ancient drama
IV. The musical competitions, with an emphasis on the dramatic competitions. The Athenian society of the classical era and the role of women and slaves in this society. Basic elements of the topography of ancient Athens. The uses of theaters other than dramatic performances. The theater audience and the city
V. Thorough examination of the Dionysiac Theater in Athens
VI. The ancient theater buildings outside Attica during the classical era: Chaeronea, Argos, Isthmia, Corinth. First evidence for the architectural evolution of the ancient Greek theater. The function of sponsorship in ancient Athens and presentation of some sponsorship monuments. The decoration of ancient theaters (sculptures, the role of inscriptions) and their relationship with the circulation of spectators in the monument
VII. The theater building in the Hellenistic period: transformations, evolutionary course, types of theaters. The introduction of the two-story stage. Ancient theaters with movable stage: Sparta, Megalopolis, Messina. The Hellenistic world, a “cosmopolitan” society
VIII. The theater of Epidaurus and the theater of Delos, two typical Hellenistic theaters. Reference to the acoustics of ancient theaters
IX. The scenery, the theatrical machinery, the equipment (costumes and masks) and the stage equipment. The hypocrite’s profession in antiquity
X. Ancient theaters outside the Greek area: Asia Minor, Great Greece and Sicily. Brief reference to the most representative examples and their importance for the evolutionary course of the ancient theater
XI. The Roman theater, with an emphasis on the evolution of the theater in Greece during the era of Roman rule. Pointing out the differences between Greek and Roman type theater buildings. Reference to the typology of the small indoor theater, the conservatory, and its operation