Priène, Theater

The priene theater honorary seats were places in front of the first row. They were donated by an Agonothete (the magistrate who was responsible for putting on the plays), and dedicated to Dionysos. An altar to the god of the theater was set up in the middle of the front row. In the ancient world plays were performed in honour of the god, and included sacrificial rites. From the 2nd century B.C.the plays were now performed on a stage above the semi-circular pillars, and a row of honorary seats was constructed in the middle of the fifth row. Honorary statues, of which the plinths and inscriptions have survived, were set up in the orchestra. Not only were performances staged here during the Dionysiac festival, public assemblies took place also. Priene, Turkey.