Theater of Dionysis in Athens

If you enter the territory of the Acropolis from the southern slope (with the pedestrian street of Dionas Aryeopag, very close to the Acropoli metro station), the first serious structure that you will see will be the famous ancient Greek theater of Dionysus. Dionysis has always been one of the most revered Greek gods, annual large-scale festivities were arranged in his honor, the so-called Lena celebrations (or Dionusia). Still, the Greeks did not love the young and beautiful God, because this particular Saint is a patron of fun, theaters, wines and orgies. In the 6th century BC, with the help of the capture of power, the ruler of Athens became a piscristist, not only the famous tyrant, but also a large admirer of the god winemaking. By his order in the southeastern part of the Acropolis, the temple was built in honor of the beloved deity, and then the concert playground on which the main events of the festival of Dionysis were held. It is this small scene that has become a "grandmother" theater that we can see in our day.

Theater of Dionysus in Athens (view from the Acropolis)

Theater of Dionisa is one of the most popular attractions of the Greek capital, now her visit is included in the cost of the input ticket to the Acropolis, and a couple of years ago, it was necessary to pay a couple of euros to admire one of the oldest scenes of the world. Often, Dionysis Theater is confused with another famous Acropolian scene – Odon Gerody Attica, And in order not to get confused, it is worth remembering that only the ruins remained from the first, and Odeon after the restoration is one of the most beautiful theatrical sites of Athens.

Dionysus Theater in Acropolis

It was originally believed that the Theater of Dionysis was built in the VI century BC.NS., But studies have proven that items found during excavations belong to the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleple. The famous donianies of the Piscistrata times were most likely held on Square Agora In a wooden theater.

But in the V century BC, this wooden concert hall was destroyed, and all ideas moved to a small scene next to the Temple of Dionysus on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis.

But the new theater stood for only about a century, so in the 4th century BC, the construction of the scene itself began, which was preserved to the present day. The monumental structure on the southern slope of the Acropolis appeared during the Board of the Licharge of Athens. Like most other theaters of that time, it was open and consisted of three main parts: Skena (scene), Orhestra, in which the choir and musicians were located, as well as a visual hall located in a semicircle.

Reconstruction of the Theater of Dionysus

In the Roman era, the theater was subjected to a serious restoration, and the scene was especially redoned. Nevertheless, archaeologists tend to assume that already in the IV century BC, the theater received a permanent orchestra, in the center of which was located in the Altar of Dionysis and a three-tier visual hall for more than 15,000 spectators. Along the perimeter, the orchestra was located a special chute in which rainwater flowed. His, by the way, is very clearly visible in our days.

Rain gutter along the orchestra

The auditorium was the steps separated by small tracks (diedzoms) for three levels, as well as radial aisles. In total, there were 78 rows in the theater and the top rows were almost on top of the slope. The sites of the lower tier were made of bridal stone, but the upper tiers are simply wounded in the slope breed. Only 13 rows have been preserved to this day, most likely, it is those places that were made of stone.

Stone Spectatical Places of the first tier

In the second century BC, marble chairs were installed for honorary viewers in the hall, all such troons numbered 67. Each of them subscribed to the post of official. Some of them can be seen in the Acropolis now, and the part is copies made in the Epoch of the Roman Board.