The Odeion of Kibyra

Kibyra is located on the lower slopes of Akdağ, situated 2 km. from the western side of Gölhisar, in the district of Burdur. The subject of this study is Kibyra's Odeion, a significant structure of the city, with the main focus of this study, the architecture of the Odeion. It is known from the mosaic-inscriptions in front of the structure that this building was termed an odeion in antiquity as the phrase written in mosaic "in front of the Odeion" records the exact name of this structure. According to the finds obtained from excavations the structure was exposed to a fire that had devastating consequences, and after this fire the structure was not restored. In addition both the architecture and plastic ornamental elements of the scene frons were damaged during this fire. This is why the architectural features of the scene frons can only be followed from the small scale finds. Following lengthy documentation studies, it was found that the scene frons was decorated with two folded tabernacle ornaments. The structure has a plan with a larger than semi-circular cavea and a rectangular stage-building. Both cavea and the stage-building are connected to each together via the parodos arches. Studies of the evolution of the ancient structures of odeion and bouleuterion show the Odeion at Kibyra shares a common architecture and can be dated to the middle of the second century A.D. The finds of architectural ornaments and statuary date the structure to the second half of the second century A.D. According to the dates recorded in the mosaic of the stoa of the odeion it was laid between 249 and 254 A.D. by two benefactors, brothers from Kibyra. This mosaic is the last phase of the structure that is attested. Apart from this, there is no evidence of restoration or construction. The structure was built and was used as Odeion starting from the second half of the second century A.D.