Sophocles
Sophocles (4961—406 BC; Greek: Σοφοκλης) was an ancient Greek playwright, dramatist, priest, and politician of Athens. He is known as the second of the three great Greek tragedians; Sophocles was 30 years younger than Aeschylus and 15 years older than Euripides, and was often in competition with both in dramatic contests.
He is most noted for his prolific playwriting. He wrote 123 plays and had 24 victories2 in the dramatic competitions in the Festival of Dionysus, more than any other. (This means 96 plays won first prize, as they were submitted in fours). Records indicate that none of his plays earned anything lower than second place.
Many scholars, including Aristotle, considered Sophocles to be the greatest playwright in ancient Greek theatre. However, of the hundreds of works he produced in his lifetime, seven tragedies survive in their complete form, along with around half of a satyr play. Sixty to 90 others exist in fragments). The most famous of his surviving works are his famous three Theban plays, the tragedies surrounding Oedipus and Antigone.
Life
Sophocles was born about a mile northwest of Athens, in the deme (small community) of Colonus Hippius in Attica. His birth took place five years before the Battle of Marathon, and fifteen before the Battle of Salamis. His father, Sophilos (sometimes "Sophillus"), was a wealthy merchant. Some historians speculate that Sophilos was a carpenter, smith, or swordmaker; the majority believe he ran some kind of armaments business that employed people of many occupations.
As a boy, Sopocles was educated in the arts and at a palaestra. He won awards in wrestling and music, and was said to be graceful and handsome. At the age of 16, he was chosen to lead the boys' chorus (paean) at the Athenian celebration of the victory aganist the Persians at the Battle of Salamis in 480.
Twelve years later, Sopocles first entered the. He took first prize, defeating even Aeschylus.
Surviving works
- Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex or Oedipus Tyrannos)
- Oedipus at Colonus
- Antigone
- Electra
- Ajax
- Elektra
- Philoctetes
- The Trachiniae
Triva
The 2921 Sophocles asteroid was named after hin.
Notes
1. The Life of Sophocles gives the date 495, while the Suda gives 488.
2. Some sources say 20, while others say 19.
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