Theatre of Dionysus

Athens, Greece

The Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus is a major theatre in Athens, built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis. Dedicated to Dionysus, the god of plays and wine, the theatre could seat as many as 17,000 people with excellent acoustics, making it an ideal location for ancient Athens' biggest theatrical celebration, the Dionysia. It was the first theatre ever built, cut into the southern cliff face of the Acropolis, and supposedly birthplace of Greek tragedy. The remains of a restored and redesigned Roman version can still be seen at the site today. It is sometimes confused with the later, smaller, and better-preserved Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located nearby on the southwest slope of the Acropolis.

History

The site has been used as a theatre since the sixth century BC. The existing structure dates back to the fourth century BC but had many other later remodellings. The only certain evidence of this early theatre consists of a few stone blocks that were reused in the 100 century BC.

By the end of the fifth century BC, some of the wooden constructions had been replaced with stone. The Theatre of Dionysus in its present general state dates largely to the period of the Athenian statesman Lycurgus (ca. 390-325/4 BC), who, as overseer of the city's finances and building program, refurbished the theatre in stone in monumental form. The fourth century theatre had a permanent stage extending in front of the orchestra and a three-tiered seating area (theatron) that stretched up the slope.

The Theatre of Dionysus underwent a modernization in the Roman period, although the Greek theatre retained much of its integrity and general form. An entirely new stage was built in the first century CE, dedicated to Dionysus and the Roman emperor Nero. By this time, the floor of the orchestra had been paved with marble slabs, and new seats of honor were constructed around the edge of the orchestra. Late alterations carried out in the third century AD by the archon Phaedrus included the re-use of earlier Hadrianic reliefs, which were built into the front of the stage building.[The remains of a restored and redesigned Roman version of the theatre can still be seen at the site today.

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Acropolis, Athens, Greece
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Details

Founded: 6th century BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Azar Farehi (6 months ago)
Of course it's magnificent! Just an absolute shame they're not spending money on excavation and renovation for it... It'll be great to see it in its full glory
Gita Memmena (6 months ago)
I will remember the view above the Theatre and afterwards from ground floor. There are a lot of archeological works happening arround and it spoils a bit a feeling and joy of photographing, but if to put egocentric feelings aside, can catch flashback to past. ?
Ricko Suryadinata (7 months ago)
Such a surreal experience to see history in person. It's a nice little treat before you get to the main course (the top of the Acropolis), but still a sight to see none the less.
Trang Nguyen (7 months ago)
Located in the south slope of the Acropolis, this theatre is quite small compared to the theatre of Herodes Atticus but still a good spot to visit once you in the Acropolis area. You will reach this first if you enter from south entrance or reach this last before exit if you enter through main entrance. Wc is around 8-10 mins walk from here around up the hill at the back.
Tanja Grabitz (12 months ago)
I found the Theatre of Dionysus along with the whole visit to the Akropolis very interesting. Definitely a must see
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