Ancient Greek Theater and Oedipus the King

Vocabulary and key concept flashcards covering ancient Greek theater architecture, historical dramatic innovations, and narrative elements of Sophocles' Oedipus the King.

Theatron

The viewing space for the audience in an ancient Greek theater, originally made of wooden benches in the days of Pericles.

Orchestra

The circular performing area in an ancient Greek theater known as the dancing space.

Scanae

An elaborate canopy or tent-like wooden structure located behind the orchestra, derived from the ancient Greek word for tent.

Paradoi

The wing-like side entrances or pathways on either side of the ancient Greek theater structure.

Proscanion

A raised stage area in front of the scanae that provided actors with a height advantage over chorus members.

Para scaneon

Side structures or pediments located on the sides of the stage area.

Agatharkos

An individual credited alongside Sophocles with innovating scene painting for ancient plays.

Thymali altar

An altar located at the center of the orchestra that was mirrored by a second altar near the Temple of Dionysus behind the scanae.

Dithyrambic competitions

Ancient circular singing and dancing competitions involving 50 men and 50 boys from which tragedy as a form originally emerged.

Agora

The ancient Greek marketplace where plays were likely performed prior to the construction of formal theater spaces.

Thespis

The figure recognized as the first actor in ancient Greek theater history.

Aeschylus

The ancient Greek playwright who introduced the second actor to expand dialogic possibilities on stage.

Sophocles

The ancient Greek playwright who added the third actor, expanded the tragic chorus from 12 to 15, and innovated scene painting.

Cothornoi

Heavy, high-heeled boots worn by tragic actors to grant them elevated stature and weight on stage.

Psychos

Lightweight footwear worn by comic actors to slip and slide around on stage, noted as the origin of the English word socks.

Thebes

The city setting of Sophocles' Oedipus the King and Euripides' The Bacchae, geographically and psychologically separated from Athens where the plays premiered.

Sphinx

A mythical half-lion, half-bird woman who terrorized the town of Thebes with a riddle until Oedipus solved it.

Pythia

The priestess at Apollo's temple at Delphi who delivered prophecies to seekers such as Oedipus, Laius, and Jocasta.

Oedipus

A name in ancient Greek meaning swollen foot or swollen feet, given because of the injuries sustained when his ankles were shackled as an infant.

Creon

Oedipus' brother-in-law who reports that the Oracle of Delphi demands the killer of King Laius be exiled or killed to relieve the plague in Thebes.

Mount Kitharon

The mountain situated between Thebes and Corinth where the infant Oedipus was sent to be exposed and left to die.