ODEON – BOULEUTERION
IN HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN CITIES OF ASIA MINOR.
FROM THE STUDIES ON ANCIENT PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDINGS


HANNA GOLASZ-SZOŁOMICKA

Hellenistic bouleuterions and Roman odeons were kept in ancient cities of the western part of Asia Minor. Most researchers think that odeons were small musical theatres. And when town council sessions took place in those cities that did not have bouleuterions? Some researchers thought - in odeons, and called them bouleuterions.
The main aim of this article was checking for which function odeons performed. Analysis of the location of Hellenistic bouleuterions and odeons showed that they were located similarly in centre of city, near the agora, or in its neighborhood. Comparison of the spatial arrangements systems of those buildings also showed many similarities. Some odeons were distinguished by scenic decorations, which allowed for the possibility of organising performances therein, but simultaneously did not disturb debates of the town council.
Bouleuterions were not built in the Roman period on the discussed terrain because odeons took over their function. Those buildings, situated near the agora and often near the prytanejon and temple, were conveniently located for members of the town council and theatre spectators.