gradus : GRAH-duss

 

(Latin; pl. gradus: Roman cavea seat; step or position). According to Vitruvius the gradus, “…are not to be less than twenty inches in height, nor more than twenty-two. Their width must not be more than two feet and a half, nor less than two feet.” Seats could be carved from the theatre site’s living rock or assembled from carefully dressed and fitted (ashlar) masonry. Ashlar bench seats were often hollowed beneath the front edge for increased leg room. Prohedria (seats of honor) are less common but can be found in both Greek and Roman theatres