Acropolis, Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysos was erected south-east of the Acropolis, its cavea was set on the southern slope of the Acropolis. The cavea was moved, in 498 BC, from its original location in the Agora, to its current location. The Main current features of the Structure are from the Graeco-Roman period. The theatre was first built in the 5th Century BC to host the drama competitions during the great annual festivals in honor of Dionysos, venerated in the sanctuary in front of the theatre. The theatre was rebuilt in Stone by the Athenian statesman Lykourgos between 342-326 BC thus becoming the first theatre built in Stone. It was later enlarged by the Romans to accommodate 17,000 spectators. The Romans used the theatre as a gladiatorial arena and added a Marble balustrade with metal railings to protect the audience. In the 1st Century AD the orchestra was covered with Marble flooring, and in the 2nd Century AD the front of the stage was Decorated with reliefs showing scenes from the life of Dionysus. The ruins seen today are dating from the Roman period.