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 digs at the political elite and deal with social issues such as cultural change and the role of women in society. Indeed, the plays of Aristophanes are not only a record of Greek theatre but also provide an invaluable insight into many of the political and social aspects of ancient Greece, from the practicalities of jury service to details of religious rituals in major festivals.
More about: AristophanesDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 460 BCE - c. 380 BCELife of Greek comic poet Aristophanes.
-
425 BCEArcharnians by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
424 BCEThe Knights by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
423 BCEThe Clouds by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
422 BCEThe Wasps by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
421 BCEPeace by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
414 BCEThe Birds by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
411 BCELysistrata by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
411 BCEThesmophoriazusae by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
405 BCEThe Frogs by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
c. 392 BCEEcclesiazusae by Aristophanes is first performed.
-
388 BCEPlutus by Aristophanes is first performed.
