The Odeon of Ephesus is next to the Varius Baths and looks like a small theater. The building took the name Odeion because it was more often used as the Odeion for concerts. So, it is also called the small theater. It was built as a Bouleterion by Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Papania; people from a wealthy family.
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Odeon on Ephesus Map
The Odeon of Ephesus is situated opposite the State Agora, adjacent to the Varius Baths. It is easily accessible when entering Ephesus through the upper gates, one of the two main entrances to the ancient city.
Political Use of the Odeon
The political system in Ephesus consisted of two parliaments. One was the ‘Demos‘ (public) parliament, which comprised the whole Ephesians and held its meetings in the Great Theater. The other one was the Consulting Parliament (also called the Boule), which consisted of 300 members and held its meetings at the Odeion.
Features of the Odeon
There are 23 rows in the Cavea (auditorium) of the Odeion. It is divided into two equal parts with a diazoma. It could take up to 1,400 people. The audience would go down to the diazoma through stairs and from there they would reach their seats. The excavations in Ephesus and restorations of the east part of the gallery have been completed. The orchestra was in front of the cavea in a semi-circle.
Architecture and Design
The absence of a water outlet proves that Odeion was a covered building. The stage is two-floored. Right in front of it, there is a marble podium. There were five doors to the podium. The one in the middle is wider and higher than the others.
