Pinsteps. The stage building of the ancient Theatre of Dionysos in Athens
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The stage building of the ancient Theatre of Dionysos underwent the most alteration over its roughly thousand-year history. In the 5th century BC, a permanent stage building was added to the south of the orchestra, which was the central focus of the theatrical performance. This was due to the development of Tragedy, particularly by the great dramatic poets Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, and the need for a permanent stage building that could serve the theatrical performance in various ways while improving the acoustics.

After the wooden theatre was renovated and extended, the stage building was ultimately constructed with cheaper materials due to financial problems caused by the Peloponnesian War. However, it had a richly painted façade. In the second half of the 4th century BC, the stage building was rebuilt entirely in stone with a marble façade and two projecting wings with Doric colonnades.

In the Roman period, the stage building underwent substantial alterations. Under Nero, it gained a deep proscenium and rich architectural elements on its façade. Under Hadrian, the stage building was altered in a classicising spirit and adorned with monumental female statues and/or satyrs representing the three genres of dramatic poetry.

After being destroyed by the Heruli in 267 AD, the stage building was signified by the Bema of Phaedrus, which was decorated with curved marble slabs depicting scenes from the life of Dionysos. The construction of the early Christian Basilica at the eastern entrance in the 6th century marked the start of a new era. It brought significant changes to the theatrical installation and operation. In 2003-2005, the scattered architectural members from the stage area were processed and displayed for teaching purposes, and the inside of the building received a new straightforward soil fill. These were the first steps in further studying the monument and showing its stage building, including partial restoration and reintegration of remaining architectural material.


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Evgeny Praisman
Athens: walking through history. My trip to Athens on Feb 11, 2023

A walking trip through the streets of Athens can be a fantastic way to dive into the rich history of this ancient city. Here is a trial that explores some of the most exciting sites in Athens:

  1. Start at Athina Avenue and head towards Monastiraki Street. This lively street is lined with shops and street vendors selling various goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and jewellery.

  2. Take a stroll down the lane and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. From Monastiraki Street, continue to the Plaka neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in Athens. The Plaka is known for its narrow, winding streets, picturesque houses, and traditional Greek tavernas. Visit the old house of the Venizelos family, a historic building once the home of the famous Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos.

  3. From the Plaka, head up to the Anafiotika district, a charming neighbourhood built on the slopes of the Acropolis. Here you can visit some of the most delicious restaurants in Athens, offering traditional Greek cuisine and breathtaking views of the city.

  4. After exploring the Anafiotika district, make your way to the southern slope of the Acropolis, where you can see the ruins of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus.

  5. End your walking trip by visiting the Areopagus and Pnyx Hills, two historic sites located just outside the city centre. The Areopagus Hill was once a seat of the judicial court in ancient Athens and is also associated with the spread of Christianity into Greece. Pnyx Hill was the location of the assembly of the people, where citizens gathered to discuss and vote on important political matters. From these two hills, you will see breathtaking views of the city in the sunset and gain a deeper understanding of its rich history and cultural heritage.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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