Restauri di teatri in epoca tardo antica: le testimonianze epigrafiche

Between the IV and V centuries CE, numerous inscriptions from both the eastern and western parts of the empire mention restorations of theatres undertaken by emperors, imperial officials, and members of the city elites. Different reasons prompted these interventions: emperors seem to have taken an interest in buildings of particular renown mostly for propaganda reasons, while high officials and local notables appear to have been concerned with the preservation of theatres as places that added to civic identities. Also of relevance is the use of theatrical buildings as places to exhibit works of artistic value, most notably between the late IV and V centuries, when the destruction of statues and reliefs related to pagan religiosity became a common phenomenon.