Welcome to the theater, a photo from Isernia, Molise

Photographer's Note

Pietrabbondante is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Isernia in the Italian region Molise, located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Campobasso and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northeast of Isernia.
Pietrabbondante's earliest known inhabitants were the Samnites, who arrived in Pietrabbondante in the 6th century BC. Many historians believe that it was home of the assemblies of the Samnite federal government. The Samnites called the place "Bovianum" but this only lasted for a few centuries, its demise the result of defeats in the Samnite wars as well as the site's ultimate destruction at the hands of Lucius Cornelius Sulla (89 BC). Pietrabbondante then became part of the Roman colony located in Sannio and was documented by Pliny the Elder. The Romans called the town "Bovianum Vetus", the early role of which is little known. It became, however, a center of vital importance; when the Romans conquered the Samnites, Pietrabbondante became a place of reference for checking the Alto Molise.
The Samnite town stretched for just over six hundred meters; nevertheless, the area remains rich in archaeological material. Excavations in the 1840s brought to light sections of marble statues, clay tools, coins, weapons, etc. A very notable archeological find is the temple and the theater built of polygonal limestone that is a rare Italian example of retaining a Greek structure built by the Samnites.
The theater-temple complex is located on the outskirts of Pietrabbondante about 966 metres (3,169 ft) above sea level, next to another small temple with arcaded shops from a previous era (200 BC). To build it, the Samnites situated two terraces along the side of the mountain, but at different levels on a single axis. The top two buildings housed the temple and side porches. The overall size of the area is 55 by 90 metres (180 by 295 ft).

THE THEATER consists of two elements: the auditorium and the building stage, which are linked together by two stone arches. The auditorium is capable of holding up to 2,500 spectators and has excellent acoustics. Each of the seats was created from a single stone block with the dorsal elegantly thrown backwards; signs at both ends of each row reserved them for judges, priests, and so on. On both sides of the orchestra, retaining walls of the embankment (analemma) end with atlases carved in stone (like the Odeon of Pompeii, however, the material is made of soft tuff). The entire embankment is supported by large semicircular and polygonal blocks processed by cutting without regular contours.

BENVENUTI A TEATRO

Pietrabbondante � un comune italiano di 774 abitanti della provincia di Isernia in Molise. Fino al 1807, per circa 600 anni, � stato prima parte integrante del Giustizierato d'Abruzzo e dell'Abruzzo Citeriore e poi, dal 1807, fu ceduta al Contado del Molise.
I resti delle fortificazioni sannitiche sul monte Saraceno testimoniano la presenza umana sul territorio di Pietrabbontante sin da epoca remota. Nei pressi del centro abitato, si trovano i resti dell'antico insediamento che fu il pi� importante santuario e centro politico dei Sanniti tra il II secolo a.C. e il 95 a.C.
Il vero tesoro di Pietrabbondante costituito dal complesso ellenistico-italico sito in localit� Calcatello. Vi si trovano due templi "A" e "B" ed un teatro, con sedili in pietra dalla caratteristica forma anatomica, utilizzato come luogo di riunione. Nel periodo estivo vi si svolgono importanti manifestazioni teatrali classiche.

IL TEATRO venne realizzato costruendo un terrapieno artificiale contenuto da strutture architettoniche. La parte superiore della cavea doveva essere sistemata con sedili mobili e prevede un accesso attraverso una scaletta nella parte posteriore del teatro. La parte inferiore � invece suddivisa in sei settori da brevi scale che conducono alla parte superiore della cavea e caratterizzata da tre ordini di sedili, con spalliere sagomate e braccioli scolpiti in forma di zampe di leoni alate. L抋ccesso agli ordini inferiori dei sedili avviene dall抩rchestra attraverso le due scalette semicircolari che si addossano agli anal鑝mata (muri di sostegno della cavea) caratterizzati, nella parte inferiore, da una figura di telamone. L抩rchestra � a ferro di cavallo; la scena � un edificio rettangolare con una facciata lineare in cui si aprono tre porte e con una serie di ambienti di servizio alle spalle.

Miguel82, pierrefonds, PaulVDV, danos, papagolf21, tyro, ikeharel, jhm, delpeoples, holmertz, Fis2, ourania, Hunkar, ChrisJ, Graal, alvaraalto, mcmtanyel, cornejo, Royaldevon, rychem, adramad, claudeD has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

pierrefonds (113534) 2016-02-23 18:37

Bonsoir Luciano,

L'閠endue du th殁tre donne de la profondeur � la sc鑞e. La prise de vue permet de voir les d閠ails du th殁tre. La bonne luminosit� valorise les couleurs de l'image. Bonne soir閑.

Pierre

abmdsudi (95869) 2016-02-23 22:08

Hi Luciano
Highly impressive archaeological shot from an elevated vantage point with a great view across the Theatre of the ancient city, some good features of the distant background and the awesome skyscape to die for.......

The symmetrical compo indeed works best here, bounded by immaculate detail, pleasing clarity and colours scheme, there's so much to admire and its history to illustrate this piece. A shot beyond reproach, Congrats.
Best regards

shreya2000 (2815) 2016-02-23 22:21

Hi Luciano,

Fantastic panoramic view of the old theatre. I like the background and clouds upper side. Good sharpness and contrast.

Regards,
joginder

PaulVDV (62790) 2016-02-23 23:12

Hello Luciano,
Your picture of Pietrabbondante is the first one of this place on TE.
Not that much of the theater still remains but this is a pretty sight with the vista to the mountains.
An impressive dramatic sky on top but the clarity is first class.
Well composed, very good sharpness.
Best regards, Paul

danos (110407) 2016-02-23 23:27

Ciao Luciano,
great the view as the presentation of the ancient ruins of the theatre with the cloudy sky to makes the whole scenery even more effective.The place of the construction of it as i see has a panoramic view of its foreground landscape.Well done.

Regards,Danos

papagolf21 (152605) 2016-02-23 23:32

Bonjour, cher ami Luciano,
Ah oui, j'appr閏ie beaucoup cette composition offrant une vue large avec un horizon de toute beaut�.
F閘icitations pour cette r閡ssite.
Amiti閟.
Philippe

dkmurphys (79209) 2016-02-23 23:51

Hi Luciano,
Attractive POV, spectacular place. I like your image and the presentation. Good work!

Daniel

jmdias (114220) 2016-02-24 0:35

luciano

interesting this angle catching well the shapes of the ancient theatre. I liked the simplicity of the image and the way we can imagine how the building was in the past. nice compo. TFS.

hugs

jorge

tyro (30513) 2016-02-24 0:55

Ciao caro Luciano,

You have written a wonderfully fascinating and informative note about Pietrabbondante and this remarkable theatre-temple complex and shown us a beautiful photograph.

Your viewpoint is perfect for this beautifully symmetrical composition. I love how the theatre and its surroundings are quite brightly lit while the distant view is somewhat darker and the sky above, with its wonderful cloud formations, seems to come down upon us and concentrate our attention on the curvature of the theatre itself.

Beautiful light, natural colours, perfect exposure and exquisite details and clarity.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

king (4242) 2016-02-24 0:59

Hello Luciano,

Nice panorama under a spectecular sky.
Nice symmetry in the theatre.
Composition and colouirs ok.
Tfs,
Huub

dta (98848) 2016-02-24 1:22

Ciao Luciano ,
La lumi鑢e n'閠ait pas id閍le , mais le ciel 閠ait beau . Tu as r閡ssi as tir� le meilleur parti des conditions pour nous pr閟enter ce tr鑣 int閞essant th殁tre romain .
Bravo

Nicou (193806) 2016-02-24 2:23

Hello

Superbe rendu des tons et vue quelle compo et iamge quel captage fantastique image et ce rond de pierre cette herbes qui a pouss閑 dans l'ar鑞e quelle beaut� il est petit et charmant.
Bravo et belle journ閑
Nicou

pajaran (114845) 2016-02-24 2:32

Dobar dan.
Lep pogled, interesantan i dobar tekst o Pietrabbondante i starom pozoristu, sa istorijom i opisom ...
Dobar rad, lepo pokazano staro pozoriste i planine sa oblacima u pozadini, dobar kontrast i perspektiva, lepe boje.
Dobra kompozicija, lepo uhvacen trenutak sa oblacima koji dolaze.
Lepa stara arhitektura i priroda.
Imajte lep i uspesan dan, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good day.
Nice view, interesting and good text about Pietrabbondante and the old theater, with a history and description ...
Good work, beautifully demonstrated the old theater and mountains with clouds in the background, good contrast and perspective, beautiful color.
Good composition, nice moment caught with clouds coming.
Beautiful old architecture and nature.
Have a nice and successful day, all the best.
Paja.

Silvio1953 (220525) 2016-02-24 2:38

Ciao Luciano, grazie per questo bel servizio che stai facendo su questo interessantissimo e poco conosciuto sito archeologico, foto di ottima qualit� con splendida nitidezza, fantastici cielo, bravissimo, ciao Silvio

ikeharel (112397) 2016-02-24 2:59

Ciao Luciano,
A small scale amphiteatre, but wonderfully preserved, its perfect crescent shape and the remnants that looks to be intact after so many years.
Your POV is most effective, with the landscape beyond appearing in fine contrast and clarity.
My cong.'s,
Ike

jhm (211734) 2016-02-24 4:24

Ciao Luciano,

Thank you very much for your interesting notes.
Also your picture is very well with a nice ground plan of the old theater.
Perspective and depth are pleasant to look at.
A nice area with the quiet foreground.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John

delpeoples (60342) 2016-02-24 5:23

Caro Luciano

Bellissimi questi rovini. Adoro il POV ed il post processo - un HDR sottile. Una foto molto sottile, ben saturata e profonda.

Un abbraccio e bella iurnata
Lisa

Sergiom (117241) 2016-02-24 5:37

Ciao Luciano,

J'aime beaucoup le choix du point de vue sur ce th殁tre � ciel ouvert. La sym閠rie est parfaite et les formes arrondies poussent le regard au loin vers ces jolies collines. J'aime la texture du ciel.

Amicalement

Serge

holmertz (101946) 2016-02-24 5:39

Hello Luciano,
This is a very small theatre, but there must have been quite an intimate atmosphere when plays were performed here in ancient days. It's very nicely preserved and looks quite elegant from this angle. The great advantage with this photo is that you could also include so much of the beautiful surroundings. Even the dark clouds look very good.
Best wishes,
Gert

Fis2 (169659) 2016-02-24 6:55

Witaj Luciano!
Beautiful old theater.
I like frame and composition.
Excellent colors and sharpness.
Well done.
Have a nice afternoon.
Krzysztof

ourania (51103) 2016-02-24 9:27

Ciao Luciano,
bella e accattivante la presentazione di questo teatro antico, un' ottima illustrazione per le parti e le funzioni citate nella tua nota. Un' elegante composizione simmetrica di grande profondita' e dettagli interessanti. Il cielo ed i colori armoniosi creano un' atmosfera un po' drammatica e senza tempo. Complimenti e grazie!
Tanti saluti e buona serata,
Ourania

besnard (59196) 2016-02-24 10:37

Bonsoir Luciano
Une photo parfaitement r閍lis閑 de ce site qui pr閟ente beaucoup de sym閠rie. Quelle chance d'avoir pu en profiter tout seul !!!
Amiti閟 et bonne soir閑.
Nicole

frunchy (1800) 2016-02-24 11:35

Hello Luciano,

i really like the atmosphere in that image, the dramatic sky, the harsh colors, perfect!

TFS, F.

Tue (91526) 2016-02-24 13:52

Hello Luciano,
You captured this theatre from a great POV, as it forms a really nice U-shape seen from this place. The dramatic sky and the hilly landscape in the background are beautiful too, great work!
Lars

Gigidusud (21679) 2016-02-24 15:28

Ciao Luciano,
Quel beau panorama! Superbe ce th殁tre antique, la vue sur la plaine est imprenable. Excellent cadrage avec le ciel qui surplombe le tout et donne une grande profondeur � l'image. Bravo!
Gigi

carlo62 (81265) 2016-02-24 15:32

Ciao Luciano
non c'� che dire, la vista di questo teatro e del panorama posteriore � magnifica, anche il cielo con le nuvole scure � quantomeno teatrale.
La foto ricalca le tue caratteristiche, simmetria perfetta, ottima qualit� e ottima esposizione.
Buonanotte
Carlo

ChrisJ (171172) 2016-02-24 15:54

Bonsoir Luciano,

This reminds me of Stobi in Macedonia. It was 30 minutes to closing time and I virtually had the whole historical park to myself. The theatre in Kas Turkey is also similar but offers a seascape rather than a landscape. Tfs!

mayjayne (7204) 2016-02-24 21:26

Dear Luciano,

An impressive presentation of this archaeological site. I like most of all your chosen POV - it adds another point of interest to the scene, and the dramatic clouds lends a magnificent background to the scene. Great shot !

TFS,
May

berek (50518) 2016-02-24 22:35

Dear Luciano.
I love the choice of point of view on this open-air theater. The symmetry is perfect and rounded pushing the look off to the pretty hills. I love the texture of the sky.
Greetings
Burak Erek

macjake (98260) 2016-02-24 23:33

Hi Luciano
looks like we're back to the HDR shots again :)

the shot has a welcoming feel to it as the theatre kind of spreads its wings on each side, it opens itself up.
good to have the clouds and landscape in the bg for depth too.
fine textures all around
Imagine this place hundreds of years ago!
cheers
craig

Graal (103040) 2016-02-25 4:25

Ciao Luciano,
nice show of old historic theater. Fine symmetric composition. Interesting note with informations. In BG effect like HDR pp. Good presentation.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

eldancer1 (36343) 2016-02-25 7:25

I can just image what a wonderful this theatre during its heydays especially the beautiful background landscape. Nicely capture with good details. Well done, tfs.

alvaraalto (42804) 2016-02-25 8:37

Hello Luciano,
Beautiful place fort his theatre. If there is no performance the audience can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view.
I like your POV with the round theatre in the centre of the scene.
Groet Rob

sabermonajati (11537) 2016-02-25 10:54

hi
excellent view from this ancient place you captured.
regard
saber

COSTANTINO (115477) 2016-02-25 11:39

Ciao Luciano

bella vista panoramica di questo teatro antico
Un interessante punto di vista ed una bella nota
Bravo

Saluti
Costantino

mesutilgim (0) 2016-02-25 14:38

Hello dear Luciano,
You allready know that antique sites are my favorite in photographic themes; this one is also very nice and interesting. Very well kept.
Good pov and very good light management. Many interesting notes and nice framing.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

mcmtanyel (67583) 2016-02-25 19:32

Hello Luciano,
I like the almost-perfect symmetry of the photo and the pretty geometric shapes the theatre renders. Your PP has brought out the best of colors and textures.
Regards,
MT

halikarnas (8842) 2016-02-26 2:12

Hi Luciano,
Tiyatronun simetri g鰎黱黰� ile geri plandaki mavi bulutlar birbirine 鰕le g鼁el uyum sağlamışlarki onun i鏸n buda bir baş yapıt olmuş.
Ortadaki koyu mavi fotoğrafın tam bir dengesi-balansı.
Tebrik ediyorum sizi.
Bodrum'dan selamlar.
Ataman

cornejo (61504) 2016-02-26 5:12

Ciao Luciano, molto buona immagine di questo piccolo teatro interessante. Molto ben catturata in questa immagine interessante con acutezza buona, la luce, il colore e la qualit�. Un grande lavoro ben fatto, complimenti il mio amico. Grazie per aver condiviso questo lavoro interessante.

Buona sera e week-end felice.
Tutto il meglio dal sud della Spagna.
Angel.

Royaldevon (85606) 2016-02-26 5:50

Ciao caro Luciano,

You know how much I love ancient ruins!
There is such a wonder that people could build places, like this, without the specialised tools that we have today, and construct them so well, that they survive for millenniums!
Your photograph fulfills the details of the amphitheatre, the details of its location and details of the weather.
What more could we ask for!

Have a lovely w/e,
Bev :-)

rychem (72187) 2016-02-26 8:12

Fantastic location of this amfitheatre, excellent photo with great symmetrical composition, beautiful view of the landscape in the valley
regards Ryszard

adramad (72536) 2016-02-26 12:49

Hello Luciano.
Fabulous panoramic, which makes us enjoy a beautiful foreground, with the magnificent ruins of the theater, while in the background we see a wide panorama of fields and a fantastic sky, which is an ideal complement to this composition.
A fantastic photo with beautiful natural colors, very good lighting and excellent sharpness.
Well done. I love.
You enjoy the weekend.
Best wishes.
Luis.

resat1972 (7586) 2016-02-27 6:28

Hi Lucciano,

old theater looking is very succesful
beatiful composition and colours.

TFS
Reşat

SWEETFREEDOM (24623) 2016-02-27 9:22

Ciao Luciano,
foto ben composta con le rovine in primo piano ed il bel paesaggio sullo sfondo, luce difficile ben gestita.
ciao
Alessandro

PiotrF (54246) 2016-02-27 13:01

Hello Luciano
Nice composition here, amazing view of this place with old architecture. Good pov and nice colours. Thank you for informative notes.
Nice shot
Regards
Piotr

Periko (9105) 2016-02-28 18:56

Hi Luciano
Interesting this small theater, whose stands are different.
The landscape in the distance under such a sky is a great background for this archeological treasury.
Exposure and sharpness are perfect.

Regards

mkamionka (73290) 2016-02-29 12:19

Ciao Luciano,
Spectacular view here. I like very much the full symmetrical way in which you have presented the amphitheatre. The view opening further in the distance allows to appreciate amazing location of this structure. Fantastic processing turned this view into a very impressive, eye catching work.
Beautiful!
M

claudeD (47754) 2016-03-06 8:38

Hello Luciano,

wow! what a wonderful panoramic view showing much details of this theater and of the countryside. I like your fine light management and the cloud formation is simply amazing. Very well done.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

Cricri (176) 2016-03-19 12:02

Ciao Luciano
Une vraie beaut� cette image, excellent travail en HDR, sublime couleurs, d閠ails et top pour le POV et un ciel magnifique
belle soir閑
cricri

robmal (2439) 2016-03-20 9:43

Hello Luciano,
Fantastic view of the old theatre and very scenic mountains on the back ground all showed with vivid colours and super composition, well done, congratulations.
Best Regards
Robert