Dionysian Frativals In 5th Century Attica

Question 1

The Lenaia
1) when was it
2) what was it primarily a festival of
3) when where additional competitions introduced
4) were foreign peoples present, give reasoning for answer

Answer 1

1) held in late January to honour Dionysus
2) primarily a comedic festival
3) competitions for comedy & tragedy introduced approx 440 BCE
4) no foreign visitors present (seas too rough for travel at that time of year)

Question 2

The Rural Dionysia
1) when was it
2) what type of festival was it and who organised it
3) who performed
4) what was performed

Answer 2

1) held in mid-winter
2) a local festival organised and celebrated by the Demes of Attica
3) comedies and tragedies performed by troupes of travelling actors
4) plays likely revivals of those performed at the Lenaia and City Dionysia

Question 3

The Anthesteria
1) when was it held ?
2) what was it associated with ?
3) what was the focus on ?
4) what was another association ?

Answer 3

1) held in February in honour of Dionysus
2) associated with spring (rebirth)
3) particular focus on drinking of new wine
4) further associated with worship of the dead

Question 4

The city Dionysia
1) when was it
2) where forgiven people allowed
3) how long did it run for
4) who else would have attended it

Answer 4

1) late March
2) sea lanes re opened, allowing for foreign visitors
3) late 5th century BCE, ran for 5 days
4) likely attended by people from Attica