Classics Physics Alive: New Acoustic Discoveries in Ancient Greek Theatres

In a recent article from Nature, researchers at Georgia Tech figured out the science behind the magnificent theatre of Epidaurus. For more detailed, info, click here. it turns out the answer is not from simply an optimal amplification of human frequency pitches, but also careful positioning of the stepped rows of seats to reduce low frequency background noise. Very cool

Excerpt: "They calculate that this structure is perfectly shaped to act as an acoustic filter, suppressing low-frequency sound — the major component of background noise — while passing on the high frequencies of performers' voices...In the first century BC the Roman authority on architecture, Vitruvius, implied that his predecessors knew very well how to design a theatre to emphasize the human voice. "By the rules of mathematics and the method of music," he wrote, "they sought to make the voices from the stage rise more clearly and sweetly to the spectators' ears... by the arrangement of theatres in accordance with the science of harmony, the ancients increased the power of the voice."


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