noun In the Greek theater, a revolving prismatic apparatus with a different scene painted on each of the three sides in some simple way. There were two, one on each side of the stage. By turning the periactus the topos or locality of the action was changed.

What is the purpose of a Periaktoi?

Periaktos, (Greek: “revolving”, ) plural Periaktoi, ancient theatrical device by which a scene or change of scene was indicated.

What does the Greek word Skene mean?

skene, (from Greek skēnē, “scene-building”), in ancient Greek theatre, a building behind the playing area that was originally a hut for the changing of masks and costumes but eventually became the background before which the drama was enacted. ... In the Roman theatre it was an elaborate building facade.