Athens - Theatre of Dionysus

Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.

The Theatre of Dionysus was the most important theatre in ancient Greece and is considered the birthplace of ancient Greek theatre and of drama in general. It is also considered the first theatre in the world. It is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis. The Dionysia festival was celebrated annually in Athens in honor of Dionysos. These included theatrical performances that originally evolved from cultic song, dance, and sacrificial rites and took place in the Theatre of Dionysus. The famous classical tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides had their premieres at the Dionysia.

The theater was part of the sanctuary of Dionysus, located south of the Acropolis, which also included a temple. In the 6th century BC, the spectators had to sit on a natural slope. In 410 BC, rows of wooden seats were built. The stone structure that can be seen today was built around 330 BC. A stone stage was added, and the orchestra was framed in marble. The theater suffered severe damage in 86 BC at the hands of the Roman general Sulla.


Seen from the Acropolis