Bema of Phaidros, Roman stage platform in Theatre of Dionysus, Greece
The Bema of Phaidros is a stone stage platform in the Theatre of Dionysus that displays four marble reliefs. These carvings depict different moments from the god's life and are integrated into the structure of the platform itself.
The marble platform was built in the 3rd century CE, incorporating sculptures from the Hadrianic or Antonine period. These older works of art were later reassembled under the direction of Phaidros, who served as archon of Athens.
The reliefs show scenes of mythology that remain carved in stone, revealing how important Dionysus was to the city's identity. They display the way Athenians preserved their sacred stories for future generations.
The reliefs can be examined during a visit to the theatre located on the southern slope of the Acropolis. Wearing appropriate footwear is recommended, as the terrain is uneven and viewing the platform from different angles throughout the theatre offers the best perspective.
The sculptures visible here were not originally made for this location but were brought from elsewhere and reassembled in place. This practice of reusing older artworks was common during the Roman period and shows how previous creations were valued.
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