Theaters and
Triangular
Forum
The Triangular Forum derives
its name from its geometric shape. It is located on the volcanic ridge
overlooking on its south the Pompeian
countryside. The entrance was from Via
dei Teatri, where a vestibule with six Ionic columns
formed its monumental façade. It was built in the second century B.C.
like the civil Forum.
The inner colonnade has 95 Doric columns and surrounds the area of an
archaic Doric temple with limestone columns. The temple was first
consecrated to Hercules alone
and then also to Minerva.
It collapsed, probably in
the II century B.C., because of the corrosion of the southern slant of
Pompeii. The ruins of the temple and the sacred source - to which an heroon
was also added subsequently in Sillana period, - were encircled in
sannitic period with a tufa portico, that was used for sporting and
recreational activities. In the III
century B.C. it was built, close to the Triangular
Forum, in the hollow of the slant, a first Greek theater
and, in Sillana period, another one that was covered. The Theater
was completely reconstructed in the II century B.C. in tufa style. On
the side of this theater there was a big tufa portico that served as a
foyer for the spectators.
After
62 A.D. earthquake, the theater's peristyle was transformed in a school
of gladiators, with a field for exercises. In Samnnite age there were
also a gymnasium, a sacello of Isis
and a small Temple of Zeus.
After 62 A.D. the gymnasium was reduced to advantage the reconstruction
of the Temple of Isis.
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