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Theatre Masks
A marble relief depicting theatre masks as worn by actors in both Greek and Roman tragedies and comedies. 2nd century CE (Vatican Museums, Rome).
Definition
Aristophanes
Aristophanes (c. 460 - c. 380 BCE) was the most famous writer of Old Comedy plays in ancient Greece and his surviving works are the only examples of that style. His innovative and sometimes rough comedy could also hide more sophisticated...
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Greek Tragedy Mask
A terracotta tragic theatre mask, 200-250 BCE. (Agora Museum, Athens)
Definition
Agamemnon (Play)
The play Agamemnon was written by one of the greatest Greek tragedians Aeschylus (c. 525 – 455 BCE), “Father of Greek Tragedy.” Older than both Sophocles and Euripides, he was the most popular and influential of all tragedians...
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Eteocles & Polynices
Eteocles and Polynices being carried away, dead, after the Battle of Thebes.
Stories from the Greek Tragedians by the Rev. Alfred J. Church, M.A. (1829-1912 CE)
Project Gutenberg eText 14994
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The Cursed House of Atreus
An illustration of the entangled family line of the House of Atreus from Greek mythology, which featured promptly amongst the ancient Greek Tragedies. The cursed House of Atreus is one of the most prominent examples of the concept of miasma...
Definition
Oedipus the King
Oedipus the King (429-420 BCE), also known as Oedipus Rex or Oedipus Tyrannos ('Tyrannos' signifies that the throne was not gained through an inheritance) is the most famous surviving play written by the 5th-century BCE poet and dramatist...
Definition
Hercules
Hercules (Herakles) was a hero of Greek mythology famous for his great strength and endurance. Celebrated as an extraordinary mortal, his success in seemingly impossible labours won him an immortal place amongst the gods. As the greatest...
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Theatre of Delphi
The theatre of Delphi and the temple of Apollo below (4th century BCE). The capacity of the theatre was around 5,000 spectators.
Definition
Greek Mythology
Greek mythology was used as a means to explain the environment in which humankind lived, the natural phenomena they witnessed and the passing of time through the days, months, and seasons. Greek myths were also intricately connected to religion...