Proedria
（
προεδρία). The right of occupying the front row of seats
next the orchestra, at the dramatic performances in the Greek theatre. This distinction was
enjoyed by the priests, the chief magistrates, distinguished citizens, the descendants of
those who had fallen in battle for their country, and members of foreign States whom it was
desired to honour, especially ambassadors. The term also denotes the presidency at the Council
(see
Boulé), and in the assemblies of the
people. In the fifth century B.C. the
prytanes, under their
epistates, presided over the Council and the assemblies of the people; in the
fourth, the
proedri were instituted. The latter were appointed on each
occasion from nine of the tribes, and the presidential duties were transferred to them and
their
epistates (a member of the tenth tribe). See Aristotle,
Athen. Polit. xliv. p. 115, with Kenyon's note.
