Theatrical entertainment (D51-70)

Modifications to the Large Theatre in the Augustan era by the Holconii (D51—56)

Two notables, the Holconii (two brothers, or, perhaps less likely, father and son) (F89 and H5), greatly increased the seating capacity by adding a new upper section of seating supported

By vaulted passageways, or a ‘crypt’. They created two privileged areas of seating, or ‘boxes’, over the covered corridors leading into the orchest'ra from either side of the Theatre. These modifications may have been inspired by the emperor Augustus’ legislation governing the segregation of audience members in theatres, since the new seating arrangements allowed for the spectators to be divided up into more groups than before. Their benefaction was recorded in multiple inscriptions set up in different parts of the Theatre, including two identical inscriptions, both well over 6 metres long, found in the area of the stage (D51).

The building work of the Holconii (D51)

D51 CIL X 833 and 834 = ILS 5638

Marcus Holconius Rufus and Marcus Holconius Celer (built) at their own expense the crypt, boxes and theatre seating.

Commemoration of the architect (D52)

Celebration of an architect is not common, especially a freedman, although more architects are commemorated in Campania than elsewhere. The decision to honour the architect in this way implies that the task of designing and executing the modifications to the Theatre was an extensive one. The same architect’s name also appears on another fragmentary building inscription, but its original location is unknown (CIL X 807).

D52 CIL X 841 = ILS 5638a Marcus Artorius Primus, freedman of Marcus, architect.

Honours for the Holconii and emperor Augustus in the Theatre (D53—56)

D53, honouring Holconius Rufus, is one of very few inscriptions on coloured marble to have survived in Pompeii. D54 marks the culmination of Holconius Rufus’ career, some years after his generosity in the Theatre. Its bronze letters are incorporated into the marble seating on the lowest level of the cavea (seating area) just above the broader steps for the double honorific chairs (or bisellia), in a central position. To judge from additional holes for metal still visible, something seems to have been fixed above the inscription. Although a small statue may have stood there, it is more likely that an honorific chair was set up here in Rufus’ honour, in the place where the best possible view of the stage could be had. It would not necessarily have been a chair for him to sit on, but may have been an honour designed to perpetuate his name after death. He was also honoured with a statue outside the Stabian Baths (F89).

D53 CIL X 837 = ILS 6361, 2/1 bc

To Marcus Holconius Rufus, duumvir with judicial power four times, quinquennial, military tribune by popular demand, priest of Augustus, by decree of the town councillors.