260 ATHENS. 
might ascend or descend without incommoding 
the audience. Near to those staircases were 
passages leading to the outer porticoes, by 
which the spectators entered to take their 
places. The best places were in the middle 
tier, upon the eight rows between the eighth 
and the seventeenth bench. This part of the 
theatre was called Bouleuticon; it was set apart 
for the magistrates. The other tiers were 
called Ephebicon, and were appropriated to the 
citizens after they had attained their eighteenth 
year. Along each corridor, at convenient 
distances, in the solid part of the structure, 
were small cellular cavities, called Ech&a, 
containing brass vessels, open towards the 
Scene. Above the upper corridor there was a 
gallery or portico, called Cercys, for the women; 
but those who had led disorderly lives had a 
place apart for their reception. Strangers, and 
allies who had the freedom of the city, were 
also placed in the Cercys. Individuals had also, 
sometimes, a property in particular places ; 
which descended by succession to the eldest of 
the family. 
Thus much for the parts appropriated to the 
spectators. With regard to others belonging 
to the Drama, the Orchestra (an elevation out of 
