Definition: In ancient Athens, the City Dionysia was a major festival featuring dramatic competitions in the month of Elaphebolion (March-April). The festival was celebrated in an area (temenos) sacred to Dionysus. In addition to the major City Dionysia, there was also a rural Dionysia. Dramatic competitions were held in the genres of dithyrambs, comedies and tragedies. The tragedy competition was for trilogies and a satyr play.
The City Dionysia, which the tyrant Pisistratus started, was controlled by the eponymous archon of the year.
Source: Barbara F. McManus
Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyzAlso Known As: Greater Dionysia
