THE THEATRE. 237 



which may be a device connected with divination 

 by means of birds. Communicating with it is 

 a smaller edifice of ancient structure, having 

 in the centre three erect projections of rock 

 with steps carved on their sides. Could these 

 two buildings have formed part of a college 

 of Haruspices, and the pillars of rock have been 

 Haruspiciaf The theatre is placed at the north- 

 west corner of the Agora, and its upper part is 

 nearly on a level with the platform, whence 

 there is an entrance leading to the diazoma. 

 This entrance is not arched, as is usually the 

 case, but is open, and consequently interrupts 

 the connection of the upper row of seats. 

 Some fragments of columns standing near the 

 passage, seem to indicate that the passage from 

 the Agora into the theatre was through a portico. 

 The theatre is of good proportions, and well- 

 preserved, free of bushes, and having few of 

 its seats displaced. There are eighteen rows of 

 seats below the diazoma, and nine above. The 

 south wing was extended as far as possible 

 without interfering with the proscenium, to 

 which it is joined by a wall. Fronting the 

 proscenium was a platform, ornamented with 

 pedestals ; leading from it are five doors ; the 



