THEATRE OF THORIKOS

Question 1

What was the Theatre of Thorikos used for? 👩‍🏫🍎

Answer 1

Multi-purpose: teaching drama, democratic processes (in the deme) and for plays (in the Rural Dionysia)

Question 2

When was the Theatre of Thorikos built?

Answer 2

525-485 BC, end of the Archaic era

Question 3

Where was the Theatre of Thorikos made? +extra

Answer 3

A deme in the South East Coast of Attica

deme - Unit of Local Gov in Ancient Attica

Question 4

What is significant of the date of the Theatre of Dionysia? 👴

Answer 4

Its the oldest surviving stone theatre in Greece!

Question 5

What is Rural Dionysia? ❄️

Answer 5

A drama festival held in the rural demes of Attica in mid-winter

Question 6

Give one ways the shape of the Theatre of Thorikos is different to other theatres, built at later dates. Explain why and the significance of this. (3)

Answer 6

1) It’s shape is elliptical, not circular
- Due to 4th cent expansion, in which it was initially rectangular
- This reflects the importance of its secondary use for civic discussion
- Reflecting the importance of democracy in Greek society
[particularly after state reform of Cleisthenes in 507 BC…]

Question 7

What can we see on either side of the image of the Theatre of Thorikos?
1) What was their purpose, respectively?
2) How are they useful? (2 ways)

Answer 7

Temple of Dionysus and an thymele (altar)
1) - ToD = Place of worship + offerings to the deity
- Thymele = Sacrifice and offerings before performances and public gatherings

2) - Shows that theatre wasn’t just for entertainment
-Reflects the ancient Greek tradition of combining religious observance with public life.

Question 8

Why is the different shape of the Theatre of Thorikos significant?

Answer 8

Different shape = different acoustics + shows variation in the different theatres

Question 9

Give one way the orchestra of the Theatre of Thorikos is different to other theatres, built at later dates. Explain why and the significance of this.
🏃‍♀️🏎️

Answer 9

1) It’s orchestra is (almost) rectangular not circular
- This was a characteristic of ALL early Greek Theatres (easier to build)
e.g. (Rhamnous/Trachones etc)

Question 10

What was the capacity of the Theatre of Thorikos and why is this siginificant?

Answer 10

3000 capacity
- Large for a deme
- Shows that even rural theatres could have a large crowd of spectators

Question 11

Give two ways that the image of the Theatre if Thorikos is not useful

Answer 11

1) Not a full picture so the image is not reflective of larger scale of theatre
- 21 rows of seats
2) The ruins are old and deteriorate
- the wooden stage is long gone