Mantineia

In the plains of Arkadia, lies the little town of Mantineia.  Owing to its geography as well as its geographic location, the town was overrun, plundered, refounded, conquered, destroyed, rebuilt, occupied, and abandoned many times during the course of its history.  Living in the shadow of other greater cities (Sparta, Thebes, Argoa and Athens) motivated them to create the Arkadian league (a peace and support treaty).  However, what remains after 2000+ years more accurately shows how Mantineia tried to be an inclusive city.  A little of everything for everyone, all in one place.

Of course every city has to have an ampitheatre, but did the 4 temples have to be built so close to the stage? or to each other?  or the two stoa coming perpendicular from theatre wings?  Imagine if Ozawa Hall were located behind the patio of Koussivitsky Shed between two strip malls.  One would think that impact either the play or the religious service or the shopping.

We also found it interesting that this small location had a Bouletarion--an political assembly room, which ironically was a bit removed from the fray of the theatre inasmuch as it was just beyond the temples and the stoa.  We have only seen such structures in the largest cities--Megalopolis and Korinthos--but it was clear that Mantineia was trying to be a center for political ideas, most likely as a diplomatic move to preserve their city.

Otherwise, unfortunately, this site was not well maintained, and even for the free admission, it was disappointing not to be able to see what was going on structurally due to the tall grasses and weeds.

But still, I did find the stairs to the theatre!