The Epidauros theater is especially noted for being which among Greek theaters?

• A. The most beautiful and best preserved
• B. The oldest surviving theater
• C. The largest in capacity
• D. The earliest stone theater

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognition of Epidaurus as the quintessential example of Greek theater design in terms of beauty and state of preservation. The Theater at Epidaurus, dating to the 4th century BCE and attributed to Polykleitos the Younger, is famous for its nearly complete survival—the seating (cavea), the parados, and the stage building are remarkably intact. Its proportions and geometry produce a refined, harmonious silhouette that many scholars and visitors regard as the highest achievement of ancient Greek theater architecture. While its acoustics and continued use for performances are notable, the description most commonly used to capture its distinction is that it is the most beautiful and best preserved of ancient Greek theaters. It isn’t typically cited as the oldest surviving theater, the largest in capacity, or the earliest stone theater, which are distinctions associated with other sites.