The Odeon: A Center for Music and Politics

The Odeon, also known as the Small Theatre, was a semi-circular structure used for both musical performances and meetings of the city council (Boule). Built in the 2nd century AD by Publius Vedius Antoninus, it could accommodate around 1,500 people. Unlike the Great Theatre, it was originally covered with a wooden roof to provide acoustics and protection from the elements.