Theatre of Dionysus

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The Theatre of Dionysus was a major amphitheatre in ancient Greece, built at the Southeastern foot of the Athenian Acropolis.

Dedicated to Dionysus, the god of plays and wine (among other things), the theatre could seat as many as 17,000 people, making it an ideal location for ancient Athens' biggest theatrical celebration, the Dionysia.

The structure was discovered in the archaeological excavations of the 19th Century. It is believed to have been built in various phases, from the late 6th Century BC until 330 BC. During Roman times, further changes were brought about and it is possible that the theatre was being used, at the time, for wrestling matches or even gladiator fights.