Odeum - Bouleuterion 1

View looking southeast. In the lower half of the image clearly visible is the semi–circular seating area of the Odeum that had a capacity of about 1,500 people. This opened into a courtyard that is visible in the right center portion of the image. The Odeum, a small covered theater was used for lectures, concerts, and probably served as the meeting place for the city council — that is it served as a bouleuterion. It was first built by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 B.C.) — the same Antiochus of Maccabean and Daniel fame.

The picture was taken in January — note the green grass and the flooding of low areas. On the far side of the standing water is the reconstructed "Ionic Portico." The major portion of the standing water actually marks the sacred processional way that eventually leads to Didyma.

For another view of the Odeum Click Here.

For a brief description of the biblical and historical significance of Miletus and a map Click Here.