In the ancient world, theatre was one of the main factors of social interaction, spreading political, religious, cultural and socio-ethical concepts among the people, transmitting knowledge and thus uniting the diverse populations of cities and villages. Some of these models were retained, with minor changes, in the repertoires of the new theatres and are still performed on stage in their original form or in accurate translations into new languages.

The essays in this volume discuss the phenomenon of Greek and Roman theatre from historical, archaeological, linguistic and philological perspectives. Some chapters also deal with modern European theatre, such as Neo-Latin drama.

The topic has been chosen as a central focus of research by Bernhard Zimmermann, Professor Emeritus of Classics at the University of Freiburg. The essays, written as a tribute by scholars from Germany, Italy, Greece, Austria, the United Kingdom and the United States, represent a wide range of approaches and traditions and take into account the latest trends in theatre studies. The volume will be an important guide for a wider audience interested in the history of ancient theatre, but also in the long course of its interaction with the modern European tradition.