From the Greek word for "a dancing place". In ancient times was applied to the circular area where the chorus performed. In Roman theatres, it was the semi-circular area in front of the stage reserved for senators and other important persons. Towards the end of the 17th Century, the term was derived to describe the area in front of the stage where the musicians sat and, ultimately, the term came to refer to the musicians themselves. It is still used to describe the main ground floor seating area in modern theatres.