ATHENS. 
the Conistra or pit) began about fifty-four feet 
from the face of the Proscemon or stage, and 
ended at the Proscenion. Its height was about 
four feet ; its shape, an oblong parallelogram, 
detached from the seats of the spectators : here 
were stationed the musicians, the choir, and 
the mimics. Among the Romans it was destined 
for a more noble use ; the Emperor, the Senate, 
the Vestals, and other persons of quality, having 
their seats upon it. The Proscenion or stage 
was raised seven feet above the Orchestra, and 
eleven above the Conistra; and upon it stood an 
altar dedicated to Apollo. The part called the 
Scene was nothing else than the columns, and 
architectural decorations, raised from the foun- 
dations and upon the wings of the Proscenion, 
merely for ornament. When there were three 
rows of pillars one above another, the highest 
row was called Episcenion. Agutarchus was the 
first architect who decorated the Scene according 
to the rules of perspective : he received his 
instructions from ^Eschylus 1 . The theatres of 
(l) Besides the parts of a Greek Theatre here enumerated, Guilletiere 
mentions the Logeion, or T/iymelc, which the Romans called Pulpitum; 
and the Hypo&cer.ion ; both which were parts of the Orchtstra. Also 
the Parascenion, or space before and behind the Scene ; and a species 
of machinery fur introducing the Gods, which was called Theologcion* 
