The City Dionysia Flashcards
The City Dionysia was the __ most important festival in Athens.
2nd.
When was it held?
In late March.
Who did it honour?
Dionysus… wow.
What was special about the play written for The City Dionysia?
They were written especially for it.
Play were _______ in order of _______.
Judged [in order of] merit.
Describe the preparations for The City Dionysia. [5 marks]
- Began the previous year.
- Archon selected playwrites to write for it.
- Funded by wealthy citizens; paid for costumes, special effects, and props.
- Playwrites had to hire, cast, and rehearse.
- 3 tragedies and a comedy.
What happened on the first day of The City Dionysia? (1 thing)
-Grand procession; animals led to temple + sacrificed.
What happened the night before The City Dionysia?
- Procession by torch light.
- Wooden statue carried from outside city walls into city.
- Military cadets escorted the statue.
- Statue dressed by maenads (female priestesses of Dionysus) and placed onto stage behind altar.
What happened on the second, third, and fourth day of The City Dionysia? (5 things)
DAY 2 - EARLY MORNING; OPENING CEREMONY:
-Money paid to Athens in tax from allies displayed in theatre.
-Orphaned sons of soldiers paraded. Made them think their father was brave and not discourage them from joining the military when they’re older.
-Individuals who had done good deeds rewarded.
THE REST OF THE DAYS:
-Plays performed; 3 tragedies +1 comedy by same playwrite.
-Comedy after lunch
Describe the judging of The City Dionysia. (3 things)
- Democratic.
- To select judge, each tribe put citizen’s names into urn. Ones that were pulled out judged. Couldn’t be the same as the year before.
- One judge from each tribe (10 in total).
What happened on the fourth day of The City Dionysia? (3 thing)
- Each judge wrote names of playwrite down on tablet in order of merit (one comedic writer, one tragic writer).
- Tablets placed in urn.
- Archon drew 5/10 randomly. Playwrite with most votes won.
