Ancient theatre refers to the performance spaces used in ancient civilizations, particularly in Greece and Rome. These theatres were typically open-air structures built into hillsides, allowing for natural acoustics and seating for large audiences. The design often included a circular stage called the orchestra, where actors performed, and a semi-circular seating area known as the theatron. The plays performed in ancient theatres were often based on mythology and included genres such as tragedy and comedy. Notable playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes contributed to this rich tradition, which laid the foundation for modern theatre practices and storytelling techniques.