<P> The site has been used as a theatre since the sixth century BC . The existing structure dates back to the fourth century BC but had many other later remodellings . On November 24, 2009 the Greek government announced that they would partially restore the Theatre of Dionysus . </P> <P> The site of the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus, on the south slope of the Athenian Acropolis, has been known since the 1700s . The Greek Archaeological Society excavated the remains of the theatre beginning in 1476 and throughout most of the 19th century . Early remains in the area relating to the cult of Dionysus Eleuthereus have been dated to the 6th century BC, during the rule of Peisistratus and his successors, but a theatre was apparently not built on the site until a century later . The only certain evidence of this early theatre consists of a few stone blocks that were reused in the 100 century BC . </P> <P> During the sixth century BC performances associated with the festivals of Dionysus were probably held in the Athenian agora, with spectators seated on wooden bleachers (ikria) set up around a flat circular area, the orchestra, until the ikria collapsed in the early fifth century BC, an event attested in ancient sources . After the collapse of the stands, the dramatic and musical contests were moved to the precinct of Dionysus on the slope of the Acropolis . </P> <P> The early theatre must have been very simple, comprising a flat orchestra, with a few rows of wooden or stone benches set into the hill . The oldest orchestra in the theatre precinct is thought to have been square, although there is some debate as to its original size and shape . A wooden scene building (skene) was apparently introduced at the back of the orchestra, serving for the display of artificial scenery and perhaps to enhance the acoustics . It was in this unpretentious setting that the plays of the great fifth century BC Attic tragedians were performed . </P>

Odeon of herodes atticus vs theatre of dionysus