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Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus lies on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens, within the ancient sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. Considered the oldest theatre in the world, it was the birthplace of Greek tragedy and comedy and staged the first performances of works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. Visitors can walk through the ruins of its stone seating area, divided into two tiers by a circular walkway, with 78 rows of seats and two front rows of Pentelic marble thrones reserved for dignitaries (prohedria). Remains of the orchestra, the skene and elements from the Hellenistic and Roman phases also survive, such as the drainage channel and the barrier surrounding the orchestra. In the era of Lycurgus (4th century BC), the theatre reached its greatest splendour, with capacity for up to 25,000 spectators. The site forms part of the Acropolis archaeological trail and offers a direct view into the origins of Western theatre.

Things to do at Theatre of Dionysus: 10 missions

• See the drainage channel contemporary with the Theatre of LycurgusSee the drainage channel contemporary with the Theatre of Lycurgus, next to the barrier.
• View the two front rows, still partly preserved todayView the two front rows, still partly preserved today, made up of seats of honour in Pentelic marble.
• See the stone structure visible todaySee the stone structure visible in the theatre today.
• See the orchestra of the Theatre of DionysusView the orchestra, the area where the chorus sang or commented on the actors' performance.
• Explore the tiered seating, or koilon, of the Theatre of DionysusSee the tiered seating, or koilon, with 78 rows divided into two levels by a circular walkway.
• View the Bema of PhaedrusView the Bema of Phaedrus, added to the tall pulpitum from the Neronian period.
• See the central throneSee the central throne, which belonged to the priest of Dionysus.
• Discover the skene of the Theatre of DionysusLearn about the skene, the backdrop that showed spectators where the play was set.
• See the barrier from the Roman periodSee the barrier from the Roman period facing the orchestra.
• Explore the theatreExplore this ancient Greek theatre in Athens.

Near Theatre of Dionysus