Theatrical contests became a matter of national and universal interest.

These contests occurred thrice a year, at three several festivals of Bacchus [16].

But it was at the great Dionysia, held at the end of March and commencement of April, that the principal tragic contests took place.
At that period, as the Athenian drama increased in celebrity, and Athens herself in renown, the city was filled with visiters, not only from all parts of Greece, but almost from every land in which the Greek civilization was known.

The state took the theatre under its protection, as a solemn and sacred institution.

So anxious were the people to consecrate wholly to the Athenian name the glory of the spectacle, that at the great Dionysia no foreigner, nor even any metoecus (or alien settler), was permitted to dance in the choruses.
The chief archon presided, over the performances; to him was awarded the selection of the candidates for the prize.