Pompeii Performance Soundscapes in the Amphitheater, the Grand Theater, and the Odeon
Cobi van Tonder, Ruoran Yan, Lamberto Tronchin
Abstract
Theaters in ancient Pompeii played a vital role in Roman entertainment, shaping the auditory experiences of spectators. This study examines the acoustic properties of the Amphitheater, the Grand Theater, and the Odeon using impulse response (IR) analysis to reconstruct their soundscapes. Next, the study considers the impact of typical musical instruments, vocal performances, and ambient sounds—such as gladiatorial combat—on these spaces’ acoustics. Findings reveal significant differences in reverberation times, sound clarity, and spatial characteristics, shaped by each theater’s design. These sites, preserved after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, provide a unique opportunity to analyze how architecture influenced sound propagation. The Amphitheater, with its vast open structure, enhanced large-scale events, while the Grand Theater’s semi-enclosed design balanced musical and theatrical performances. The Odeon, the most intimate of the three, prioritized speech clarity. These insights highlight how Roman architects engineered performance spaces to accommodate diverse entertainment forms. By combining acoustic measurements with historical context, this research offers a deeper understanding of ancient Pompeii’s soundscapes and the auditory experiences of its inhabitants and offers insights for composition and soundscape creations that take inspiration from these prominent historical architectural and cultural icons whilst exploring its potential within contemporary immersive listening practices.