Whisper it - Greek amphitheatre`s legendary acoustics are a myth
(The Guardian Greece)

Tour guides may tell you that a pin dropping can be heard in every seat of the ancient theatre of Epidaurus - but scientists disagreeIt has been held up as a stunning example of ancient Greek sound engineering, but researchers say the acoustics of the amphitheatre at Epidaurus are not as dazzling as they have been hailed.Dating from the fourth century BC, and seating up to 14,000 spectators, the amphitheatre has long been admired for its sound quality, with claims that audiences are able to hear a pin drop, or a match being struck, at any seat in the house. Even the British archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler raved about the amphitheatre, declaring in clipped tones in a 1958 broadcast: `Even a stage whisper could be picked up by the furthest spectator with the cheapest ticket.` Related: London´s new concert hall must be built on sound principles Continue reading...