| Context: | Epidauros |
| Type: | Stadium |
| Summary: | Rectangular area; southwest of the Sanctuary of Asklepios. |
| Date: | ca. 480 BC - 338 BC |
| Dimensions: | Central area: one side 181.3 m long; other side, 181.08 m long. |
| Region: | Argolid |
| Period: | Classical |
Plan:
Rectangular area with starting line on the west and finishing line on the east surrounded by water channel with settling basins. Stone seats on the north and south sides.
History:
Earth banks were built up to supplement the slopes of a natural ravine, and to create the original seating. The stone seats and staircases were added during Hellenistic and Roman times. A paved platform on southern slope could have been for victors or to seat honored guests, with a possible judges' bench opposite the finishing line. A Hellenistic vaulted passageway under seats led to a possible Palaestra to the north. Small stone pillars marked the stadium into 6 equal parts and Hellenistic lane markers were later added to the finishing and starting lines. Contests held in the stadium included: running events, broad jumping, discus, javelin, wrestling, boxing and pankration (a type of wrestling in which striking was allowed). Performances may have been held here before the Theater was built.
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