7/12/2012

The Theater of Dionysos

















The theater of Dionysos is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most wonderful Greek theaters in the world. Much has been written about it, so it is a little bit silly to copy wikipedia, or the Encyclopedia Britannica, for those more attached to the old school. Nevertheless, I will give a very brief description of its purpose. The theater of Dionysus is integrally connected to "one of the most brilliant creations of the ancient Greeks: drama, the ancestor of the modern theater".

















The prevailing view on the birth and development of ancient Greek drama lies in the improvised song that the faithful sang as they danced in honour of Dionysos, god of vegetation, wine and intoxication. Gradually, with the introduction of new elements, the song developed into the first complete theatrical expression of the western world, ancient Greek drama; tragedy, satyr and comedy, perfected in the 5th century BC. We all have heard of the three great tragic poets, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, and of the comic one, Aristophanes.

















The marble throne, here in front, and the first row of seats in the theater, were reserved for the the members of the Athenian priesthood. Inscriptions on each throne preserve the title of the individual for whom the throne was reserved. in the middle, was the throne of the priest of Dionysus.

















More pictures of the theater can be seen here! An earlier post regarding my first visit to this theater you can find here.

And last but not least: a #selfie. I can imagine, less interesting places to be.


Geen opmerkingen:

Een reactie posten

Most popular posts