Odeum in Circo Flaminio : The Odeum of Domitian in light of the Regionary Catalogues

Abstract

This thesis examines the Odeum of Domitian in Rome through a comparative analysis of audience capacities recorded in the late antique Regionary Catalogues and those derived from archaeological and architectural data. It also assesses how the odeum seating structures relate to the other theatres listed in the Regionary Catalogues and evaluates which reconstructed dimensions of the building are most consistent with the recorded figures. The Theatre of Balbus and the Theatre of Marcellus are used as comparanda, as they are quite well known archaeologically and the least problematic in regard to their entries in the Regionary Catalogues. Audience capacities are calculated using a formula based on cavea and orchestra dimensions, allowing comparison between the theatres. The results show that the figures in Regionary Catalogues consistently exceed calculated seating capacities, indicating that the listed loca do not correspond directly to actual audience numbers. The results suggests that the Odeum of Domitian may have had a cavea diameter of approximately 96–100 metres and an orchestra diameter of around 30–32 metres. The study highlights the need for caution when using the Regionary Catalogues in quantitative analyses.