While the theater may have been a source of entertainment for the public, Pompey's own ego was apparent in every element of it. The impressive size and grandeur of the theater mirrored Pompey's strength and military prowess. The garden in the back provided him ample space to store his various war treasures and display them to an audience of starstruck Romans. In addition, being given the ability to handpick the plays that were performed at the theater, Pompey gave himself an opportunity to elevate his cultural status. Pompey felt that his legacy would not live on very well in memory, and he constructed this permanent theater (most Roman theaters at the time were temporary wooden structures) to leave an everlasting mark on Rome. Pompey had gotten the idea for the temple from the former ruler Sulla, who once said that "massive decorated building projects were the visible signs of power." Inspired by Sulla's achievements and spurred on by his own, Pompey followed in his footsteps and built his own grand monument.
The theater served not only to fuel Pompey's ego, but it also provided a multitude of benefits for the public as well. Aside from seeing plays in the main theater, there was a large garden in the back where visitors could buy refreshments and walk around. A temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Victrix faced opposite the stage, as if to protect it. In addition, a curia where he and his fellow Roman senators could hold meetings was constructed in the back.
The theater served not only to fuel Pompey's ego, but it also provided a multitude of benefits for the public as well. Aside from seeing plays in the main theater, there was a large garden in the back where visitors could buy refreshments and walk around. A temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Victrix faced opposite the stage, as if to protect it. In addition, a curia where he and his fellow Roman senators could hold meetings was constructed in the back.