pulvinar : pul-VEE-nar

In Roman theatres, particularly those in the eastern provinces, the pulvinar was a special elevated seating area positioned on the central axis of the cavea and reserved for high-ranking officials such as provincial governors. Unlike the side-mounted tribunalia, the centrally-located pulvinar provided optimal viewing while ensuring its occupants remained visible to the audience, reflecting their elevated social status within the theatre’s carefully structured social hierarchy.