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Aeschylus, the early 5th-century BCE playwright, revolutionized Greek tragedy with his introduction of a second actor and dramatic dialogue. His works, particularly 'The Persians' and 'The Oresteia' trilogy, reflect on war, justice, and the human condition. Despite the loss of most of his plays, the seven that remain showcase his contributions to literature and theater.
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Aeschylus was born in the early 5th century BCE and is known as the pioneer of Greek tragedy
Service in the Persian Wars
Aeschylus's military service, particularly at the Battle of Marathon and possibly at Salamis, informed his writing and provided a unique perspective on themes of war and divine justice
Play "The Persians"
Aeschylus's play "The Persians" offers a view of the Persian defeat from the perspective of the vanquished, highlighting the dangers of imperial overreach and pride
Aeschylus's introduction of a second actor and use of theatrical devices transformed the stage and added depth and emotional intensity to his plays
Aeschylus won his first victory at the Great Dionysia in 484 BCE and continued to be a formidable competitor throughout his life
The Oresteia
Aeschylus's trilogy "The Oresteia" is the only complete set of Greek tragedies extant and explores themes of justice and civic order
Satyr Plays
Aeschylus's satyr plays, which combined elements of comedy with tragedy, demonstrated his range as a playwright
Prometheus Bound
The authorship of "Prometheus Bound" is debated, but the play's exploration of defiance and the struggle against divine tyranny continues to resonate
Aeschylus's contributions to the development of Greek tragedy and his extant works secure his place as a foundational figure in Western literature