prytanēum

prytanēum, in the chief city of a Greek state, the common ‘home’ of the whole state, containing the hearth (see HESTIA) where a fire was kept continually burning and from which fire was taken to a new colony. Here also were the offices of the local magistrates; it was the place where ambassadors were entertained and distinguished citizens were rewarded by the provision of meals at the state's expense. The prytaneum at Athens was in the agora. See PRYTANY below.