News in Brief Archaeology

Pin-drop test pops Greek amphitheater’s acoustic claims

Analysis reveals that guidebooks overhype the site’s ability to carry sounds

Greek amphitheater in Epidaurus

NOW HEAR THIS  This ancient Greek amphitheater in Epidaurus is renowned for its acoustics, but good luck hearing whispers if you’re sitting in the back row.

Richard Barrett-Small/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

BOSTON — Guidebook claims about the superior acoustics of the ancient Greek amphitheater of Epidaurus are a tad melodramatic.