"velaria" in ancient Roman theatres: Can they have an acoustic role?

In the early Imperial age Roman unroofed theatres were endowed with velaria. Velaria were awningsmade of sailcloth, in either canvas, linen or cotton, attached to spokes of rope that could be extendedor retracted with ropes and pulleys over the cavea. Their main purpose was to provide shade for thespectators who watched the show in blistering sun and heat. The aim of this paper is to understandif velaria, beside their primary function, could affect the acoustics of the theatres. A specific study wascarried out with the use of a commercial software for the prediction of room-acoustics characteristics ofhalls. Actually, numerical simulations were aided by acoustic measurements performed in two existingtheatres, namely the “Teatro Grande” in Pompeii and the “Teatro Romano” in Benevento as they are in thepresent state. Both theatres are used rather regularly for public shows including music of various genresand drama. Like other ancient theatres not in a good state of conservation both theatres are deficient ofnatural reverberation because of the lack of structural elements important for this acoustic feature. Toovercome inherent drawbacks electroacoustic means are used. However, there are instances where theseremedial measures are not appropriate. The results of this study show that the use of suitable awningscan improve the reverberation in these venues.