---
title: Ancient Greek Theatre
author: Mark Cartwright
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Theatre/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2025-02-04
---

# Ancient Greek Theatre

_Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_

[Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) [theatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/theatre/) began in the 6th century BCE in [Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/Athens/) with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of [Greek comedy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Comedy/) plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) and influenced [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) and [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) theatre.

As a consequence of their lasting popularity, the works of such great playwrights as [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/), [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/) and [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) formed the foundation upon which all modern theatre is based. In a similar way, the [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) of the ancient Greek theatre has continued to inspire the design of theatres today.

### The Origins of Tragedy

The exact origins of tragedy (*tragōida*) are debated amongst scholars. Some have linked the rise of the genre to an earlier art form, the lyrical performance of epic poetry. Others suggest a strong link with the rituals performed in the worship of [Dionysos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Dionysos/) such as the sacrifice of goats - a song ritual called *trag-ōdia* - and the wearing of masks. Indeed, Dionysos became known as the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of theatre and perhaps there is another connection - the drinking rites which resulted in the worshippers losing full control of their emotions and in effect becoming another person, much as actors (*hupokritai*) hope to do when performing. The [music](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Music/) and dance of Dionysiac ritual was most evident in the role of the chorus and the music provided by an [aulos](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aulos/) player, but rhythmic elements were also preserved in the use of first, trochaic tetrameter and then iambic trimeter in the delivery of the spoken words.

### A [Greek Tragedy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Tragedy/) Play

Plays were performed in an open-air theatre (*theatron*) with wonderful acoustics and seemingly open to all of the male populace (the presence of [women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/) is contested). From the mid-5th century BCE entrance was free. The plot of a tragedy was almost always inspired by episodes from [Greek mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/), which we must remember were often a part of [Greek religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Religion/). As a consequence of this serious subject matter, which often dealt with moral right and wrongs and tragic no-win dilemmas, violence was not permitted on the stage, and the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of a character had to be heard from offstage and not seen. Similarly, at least in the early stages of the genre, the poet could not make comments or political statements through his play.

The early tragedies had only one actor who would perform in costume and wear a mask, allowing him to impersonate gods. Here we can see perhaps the link to earlier religious ritual where proceedings might have been carried out by a priest. Later, the actor would often speak to the leader of the chorus, a group of up to 15 actors (all male) who sang and danced but did not speak. This innovation is credited to Thespis c. 520 BCE (origin of the word thespian). The actor also changed costumes during the performance (using a small tent behind the stage, the *skēne*, which would later develop into a monumental façade) and so break the play into distinct episodes. Later, these would develop into musical interludes. Eventually, three actors were permitted on stage but no more - a limitation which allowed for equality between poets in competition. However, a play could have as many non-speaking performers as required, so that plays with greater financial backing could put on a more spectacular production. Due to the restricted number of actors then, each performer had to take on multiple roles where the use of masks, costumes, voice, and gesture became extremely important.

### Competition & Celebrated Playwrights

The most famous competition for the performance of tragedy was as part of the spring festival of Dionysos Eleuthereus or the [City](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) Dionysia in Athens. The archon, a high-ranking official of the city, decided which plays would be performed in competition and which citizens would act as *chorēgoi* and have the honour of funding their production while the state paid the poet and lead actors. Each selected poet would submit three tragedies and one [satyr](https://www.worldhistory.org/satyr/) play, a type of short parody performance on a theme from [mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/mythology/) with a chorus of satyrs, the wild followers of Dionysos. The plays were judged on the day by a panel, and the prize for the winner of such competitions, besides honour and prestige, was often a [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/) tripod cauldron. From 449 BCE there were also prizes for the leading actors (*prōtagōnistēs*).

[ ![Theatre of Dionysos Eleuthereus, Athens](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/3763.jpg?v=1773598145-1437024191) Theatre of Dionysos Eleuthereus, Athens Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3763/theatre-of-dionysos-eleuthereus-athens/ "Theatre of Dionysos Eleuthereus, Athens")Playwrights who regularly wrote plays in competition became famous, and the three most successful were [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/) (c. 525 - c. 456 BCE), Sophocles (c. 496-406 BCE), and Euripides (c. 484-407 BCE). Aeschylus was known for his innovation, adding a second actor and more dialogue, and even creating sequels. He described his work as 'morsels from the feast of [Homer](https://www.worldhistory.org/homer/)' (Burn 206). Sophocles was extremely popular and added a third actor to the performance as wells as painted scenery. Euripides was celebrated for his clever dialogues, realism, and habit of posing awkward questions to the audience with his thought-provoking treatment of common themes. The plays of these three were re-performed and even copied into scripts for 'mass' publication and study as part of every child's education.

### Greek Comedy - Origins

The precise origins of Greek comedy plays are lost in the mists of prehistory, but the activity of men dressing as and mimicking others must surely go back a long way before written records. The first indications of such activity in the Greek world come from [pottery](https://www.worldhistory.org/pottery/), where decoration in the 6th century BCE frequently represented actors dressed as horses, satyrs, and dancers in exaggerated costumes. Another early source of comedy is the poems of Archilochus (7th century BCE) and Hipponax (6th century BCE) which contain crude and explicit sexual humour. A third origin, and cited as such by [Aristotle](https://www.worldhistory.org/aristotle/), lies in the phallic songs which were sung during Dionysiac festivals.

### A Greek Comedy Play

Although innovations occurred, a comedy play followed a conventional structure. The first part was the *parados* where the Chorus of as many as 24 performers entered and performed a number of song and dance routines. Dressed to impress, their outlandish costumes could represent anything from [giant](https://www.worldhistory.org/Giants/) bees with huge stingers to knights riding another man in imitation of a horse or even a variety of kitchen utensils. In many cases the play was actually named after the Chorus, e.g., Aristophanes' *[The Wasps](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Wasps/)*.

[ ![Greek Marble Comedy Mask](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/3290.jpg?v=1773598148) Greek Marble Comedy Mask Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3290/greek-marble-comedy-mask/ "Greek Marble Comedy Mask")The second phase of the show was the *agon* which was often a witty verbal contest or debate between the principal actors with fantastical plot elements and the fast changing of scenes which may have included some improvisation. The third part of the play was the *parabasis*, when the Chorus spoke directly to the audience and even directly spoke for the poet. The show-stopping finale of a comedy play was the *exodos* when the Chorus gave another rousing song and dance routine.

As in tragedy plays, all performers were male actors, singers, and dancers. One star performer and two other actors performed all of the speaking parts. On occasion, a fourth actor was permitted but only if non-instrumental to the plot. Comedy plays allowed the playwright to address more directly events of the moment than the formal genre of tragedy. The most famous comedy playwrights were Aristophanes (460 - 380 BCE) and Menander (c. 342-291 BCE) who won festival competitions just like the great tragedians. Their works frequently poked fun at politicians, philosophers, and fellow artists, some of whom were sometimes even in the audience. Menander was also credited with helping to create a different version of comedy plays known as New Comedy (so that previous plays became known as Old Comedy). He introduced a young romantic lead to plays, which became, along with several other stock types such as a cook and a cunning slave, a popular staple character. New Comedy also saw more plot twists, suspense, and treatment of common people and their daily problems.

### Legacy

New plays were continuously being written and performed, and with the formation of actors' guilds in the 3rd century BCE and the mobility of professional troupes, Greek theatre continued to spread across the Mediterranean with theatres becoming a common feature of the urban landscape from [Magna Graecia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Magna_Graecia/) to [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/). In the Roman world plays were translated and imitated in Latin, and the genre gave rise to a new art form from the 1st century BCE, pantomime, which drew inspiration from the presentation and subject matter of Greek tragedy. Theatre was now firmly established as a popular form of entertainment and it would endure right up to the present day. Even the original 5th-century BCE plays have continued to inspire modern theatre audiences with their timeless examination of universal themes as they are regularly re-performed around the world, sometimes, as at [Epidaurus](https://www.worldhistory.org/epidaurus/), in the original theatres of ancient [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Aeschylus. *Prometheus Bound and Other Plays.* Penguin Classics, 1961.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0140441123/)
- [Aristophanes. *Aristophanes.* Loeb Classical Library/Harvard, 2000.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0674995872/)
- [Aristophanes. *The Wasps, The Poet and the Women & The Frogs Mass Market Paperback.* Penguin Classics, 2016.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B010WF88DI/)
- Bagnall, R. et al. *The Encyclopedia of Ancient History.* Wiley-Blackwell, 2012
- [Burn, A.R. *The Penguin History of Greece.* Penguin Books, 1966.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0140137513/)
- [Harris, N. *History of Ancient Greece by Nathaniel Harris.* Hamlyn, 2016.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B01FELT0KU/)
- [Hornblower, S. *The Oxford Classical Dictionary.* Oxford University Press, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199545561/)
- [Kinzl, H. et al. *A Companion to the Classical Greek World.* Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1444334123/)
- [Nichols, D.L. et al. *The Oxford Handbook of Hellenic Studies.* Oxford University Press, 2016.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B01FKUKIQU/)
- [Sophocles. *The Three Theban Plays.* Penguin Classics; 1st edition (2000-01-03), 2016.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B017MY9A20/)

## About the Author

Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share.

## Timeline

- **c. 525 BCE - c. 456 BCE**: Life of [Greek tragedy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Tragedy/) poet [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/).
- **c. 496 BCE - c. 406 BCE**: Life of [Greek tragedy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Tragedy/) poet [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/).
- **c. 493 BCE**: Phrynichos' tragedy 'The Fall of Miletos' is first performed.
- **c. 484 BCE - 407 BCE**: Life of [Greek tragedy](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Tragedy/) poet [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/).
- **477 BCE**: Phrynichos' tragedy 'Phoencian [Women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/)' is first performed.
- **472 BCE**: [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/)' tragedy 'Persians' is first performed.
- **468 BCE**: [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/) wins his first tragedy competition (title unknown).
- **467 BCE**: [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/)' tragedy '[Seven Against Thebes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seven_Against_Thebes/)' is first performed.
- **c. 463 BCE**: [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/)' tragedy 'The [Suppliants](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Suppliants/)' is first performed.
- **c. 460 BCE - c. 380 BCE**: Life of [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) comic poet [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/).
- **458 BCE**: [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/)' tragedy trilogy Orestia: '[Agamemnon](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Agamemnon/)', [Libation Bearers](https://www.worldhistory.org/Libation_Bearers/) or 'Choephori', and '[The Eumenides](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Eumenides/)' is first performed.
- **c. 457 BCE**: [Aeschylus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aeschylus/)' tragedy '[Prometheus Bound](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prometheus_Bound/)' is first performed.
- **c. 442 BCE**: [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/)' tragedy '[Antigone](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antigone/)' is first performed.
- **438 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Alcestis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alcestis/)' is first performed.
- **431 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Medeia' is first performed.
- **c. 430 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Heraclidae' is first performed.
- **428 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Hippolytus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hippolytus/)' is first performed.
- **426 BCE**: Cheimazomenae by Cratinus is first performed.
- **c. 425 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Andromache](https://www.worldhistory.org/Andromache/)' is first performed.
- **425 BCE**: Numeniae by Eupolis is first performed.
- **425 BCE**: Archarnians by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **424 BCE**: Satyrs by Cratinus is first performed.
- **424 BCE**: The Knights by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **423 BCE**: [The Clouds](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Clouds/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **c. 423 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Hecuba' is first performed.
- **c. 423 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Suppliants](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Suppliants/)' is first performed.
- **423 BCE**: Pytine by Cratinus is first performed.
- **422 BCE**: [The Wasps](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Wasps/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **421 BCE**: Peace by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **421 BCE**: Maricas by Eupolis is first performed.
- **421 BCE**: Flatterers by Eupolis is first performed.
- **420 BCE**: Autolycus by Eupolis is first performed.
- **c. 417 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Hercules](https://www.worldhistory.org/hercules/)' is first performed.
- **c. 416 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Electra](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/electra/)' is first performed.
- **415 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Trojan [Women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/)' is first performed.
- **414 BCE**: The Birds by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **412 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy '[Helen](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Helen/)' is first performed.
- **c. 412 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Iphigenia among the Taurians' is first performed.
- **c. 412 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' [satyr](https://www.worldhistory.org/satyr/) play [Cyclops](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Cyclops/) is first performed.
- **411 BCE**: [Lysistrata](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lysistrata/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **411 BCE**: [Thesmophoriazusae](https://www.worldhistory.org/Thesmophoriazusae/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **c. 410 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Ion' is first performed.
- **409 BCE**: [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/)' tragedy '[Philoctetes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Philoctetes/)' is first performed.
- **409 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Phoenissae' is first performed.
- **c. 408 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedy 'Orestes' is first performed.
- **408 BCE - 406 BCE**: [Euripides](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euripides/)' tragedies '[Bacchae](https://www.worldhistory.org/Bacchae/)', 'Iphigenia at Aulis' are first performed.
- **405 BCE**: [The Frogs](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Frogs/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **401 BCE**: [Sophocles](https://www.worldhistory.org/sophocles/)' tragedy '[Oedipus at Colonus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Oedipus_at_Colonus/)' is first performed.
- **c. 392 BCE**: [Ecclesiazusae](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ecclesiazusae/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **388 BCE**: [Plutus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Plutus/) by [Aristophanes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Aristophanes/) is first performed.
- **c. 368 BCE - 263 BCE**: Life of [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) comic poet Philemon.
- **c. 342 BCE - c. 291 BCE**: Life of [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) comic poet Menander.
- **316 BCE**: Dyskolos by Menander is first performed.

## Questions & Answers

### What is Greek theatre?
Greek theatre is a form of performance art where a limited number of actors and a chorus conduct a tragedy or comedy based on the works of ancient playwrights. Greek theatre typically has as its theme stories from Greek mythology or comedic situations where real ancient Greek politicians and others are made fun of. 

### Who created Greek theatre?
Greek theatre evolved from religious ceremonies where participants wore masks and sang songs in honour of gods like Dionysos.  The actor Thespis (c. 520 BCE) is credited with being the first actor to speak to the audience and change costumes during the performance. This is why actors are sometimes called 'thespians' even today. 

### What are the two types of Greek plays?
Greek theatre was either tragedy or comedy. Tragedy plays saw three actors and a 15-person chorus perform stories from Greek mythology and religion. Greek comedy plays poked fun at Greek culture and personalities; they involved actors and the chorus wearing extravagant and amusing costumes. 

### How has Greek theatre influenced modern entertainment?
Greek theatre has influenced modern entertainment in many areas. Actors with costumes, special effects, the use of satire, and even the shape of the theatre itself are all lasting influences.  


## External Links

- [The battle of the Greek tragedies - Melanie Sirof](http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-battle-of-the-greek-tragedies-melanie-sirof)
- [Acting and Greek Theatre: Honoring Dionysus – Ancient History et cetera](http://etc.ancient.eu/culture/acting-greek-theatre-honoring-dionysus/)
- [In Our Time, Tragedy](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005464v)
- [Theater in Ancient Greece | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/thtr/hd_thtr.htm)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Cartwright, M. (2016, July 14). Ancient Greek Theatre. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek\_Theatre/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Theatre/)
### Chicago
Cartwright, Mark. "Ancient Greek Theatre." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 14, 2016. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek\_Theatre/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Theatre/).
### MLA
Cartwright, Mark. "Ancient Greek Theatre." *World History Encyclopedia*, 14 Jul 2016, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek\_Theatre/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Theatre/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 14 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.