STELLA DROUGOU: THE ANCIENT THEATRE OF VERGINA - ΣΤΕΛΛΑ ΔΡΟΥΓΟΥ

Today, ancient theatres mark the landscape of Greece with their shape and stand as reminders of an everyday yet distinct event in the country's life and culture. The Theatre has been a primary and essential element of the ancient Greek life and culture. In the other side, in the la fifty years Macedonia has been at the forefront of archaeological research with remarkable monuments which gradually confirm the historical information on this great and nearly mythical land. The excavation at Vergina (ancient Aigai) with all of its findings became a landmark and for many reasons opened up a new era in the archaeological research in Macedonia. The location of the ancient theatre of Vergina within the context of the ancient city proved - during excavations- to have been extremely important. In connection with the big and imposing palace, the neighbouring theatre emerges as a characteristic public space with political and cultural function while the civic agora, that was designed further to the north, confirms the nature of those functions. Its early chronology in the 4th century BC and its distinctive features ensure a distinguished position in the history of theatre, one that de-serves to be fully shown. Besides, the region of ancient Macedonia constantly supplies with new information the history of theatre that refers not only to monuments but also the role it played in the country's education, one that would be in complete accordance with the significance of the theatrical events in the ancient world. The University Studio Press reissues again the guide of the ancient theater of Vergina with renewed content and photographic material to make this important monument known to the broad public. (From the publisher)