A thymele is a centrally located altar in ancient Greek theatre. It was used to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, who was believed to have invented theatre. The thymele was often shaped like a tholos, or round temple, with a column in the middle.
In some cases, it would have a bust of Dionysus on the top. The altar was used to offer prayers and sacrifices to the gods before performances began. It was also used as a focal point for actors during performances.
The thymele’s shape could vary from theatre to theatre and performance to performance. In some cases, it would be a single column with an entablature or entasis (a curved structure).
In other cases, it would be composed of two or more columns with an entablature or entasis between them. No matter its shape, it served as an important symbol of Dionysus’s presence and protection over the theatre.
The thymele could also serve as a backdrop for scenes within plays. This allowed actors to move around while still maintaining focus on the altar itself. This could be particularly useful in comedies where characters often need to move around quickly and expressively.
The thymele is an important part of Greek theatre that has been preserved through its use in modern-day productions. Its presence is meant to remind us of the importance of honoring gods and offering thanks before beginning any performance.
In conclusion, a thymele is an altar located at the center of ancient Greek theatres, which was used for honoring Dionysus, praying to gods before performances began, offering sacrifices, and serving as a backdrop for scenes within plays. Its presence serves as an important reminder that we should always take time out for honoring gods and offering thanks before we begin any performance.