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The portico of the Theatre was built in the early first century BC , perhaps 80 BC , as a recreational area or shelter from rain for the spectators of the nearby theaters Great and Small , or, less theory accredited , used as a school for athletes , following the earthquake of 62 , it was completely renovated and enlarged and changed its function in school for gladiators: however, when the work was not yet completed, the violent eruption of 79 of Vesuvius, covered him under a blanket of lava and ash . Was brought to light, together with the nearby theaters, as a result of archaeological excavations took the Bourbon dynasty.

The structure is accessed through a main entrance located on the north-east, on the same side where the courtyard of the Teatro Grande and is characterized by three columnsin the Ionic order , but there were also other secondary entrances, which allowed access to the quadrangle in the days when they were not in the program plays : many of these openings were closed following the transformation to the police station and the entrance was placed a guard and a closing via port . Along the north side is a staircase that leads to the Triangular Forum and, before 62 , was used as access to the theaters by the personalities . Inside the structure shows a large central courtyard surrounded by aportico with columns in seventy-four tufa in Doric order , with the bottom groove.

The external walls are made ​​of lava of Vesuvius, in uncertain work : leaning to these open small rooms, inside which could accommodate up to two people, and which were certainly built after the earthquake of 62 , in tufa and bricks at the time the eruption had not yet completed and lacked the ‘ plastering . Other room was the kitchen , also used as a dining room, two staircases leading respectively to a balcony and rooms larger than thefloor below, probably reserved for instructors, the so-called lanista.

Were found during the exploration helmets and swords decorated with scenes of Greek mythology , wedding parade decorated in gold , and eighteen skeletons , including a woman full of jewelery and one slave tied to strains.

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