What is the oldest Greek play?
As a Greek theatre enthusiast, I‘m thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight and analyze "The Persians" – a truly remarkable ancient play that stands out as the oldest Greek drama still intact today. Part of what makes studying these theatrical relics so captivating is realizing just how few plays managed to withstand the passage of time.
Of Hundreds of Tragedies, Only a Few Dozen Survive
Scholars estimate over 300 ancient Greek tragedies were produced, but shockingly, only about 30 complete plays by 3 great dramatists – Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides – still survive today. This stark contrast reveals the exceptionally precious nature of "The Persians" as the earliest extant Greek play.
| Estimated # of Greek Tragedies Produced | # of Complete Plays Surviving |
|---|---|
| Over 300 | Only about 30 |
As seen above, an exceedingly small percentage of ancient Greek plays remain intact, making "The Persians" truly exceptional as the earliest complete drama to persevere through millennia. Next let‘s examine why this play holds such prominence.
"The Persians" – Earliest Greek Tragedy Still Intact
Written by the acclaimed tragedian Aeschylus, "The Persians" was first performed at the Theatre of Dionysis in Athens in 472 BCE. The play dramatizes Persia‘s disastrous defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE during the Persian Wars.
Key Details About "The Persians":
- Aeschylus‘ earliest play to survive in full
- First extant Greek tragedy exemplifying the genre‘s conventions
- Draws subject from recent historical events rather than mythology
- Eyewitness account – Aeschylus fought against the Persians
- Set in Persia showing aftermath of Persians‘ loss to Greeks
- Features Persian royalty and court rather than Greek characters
- Chorus of Persian elders, reduced from 50 to 12 members
This seminal early tragedy broke new ground beyond tales of gods and heroes by dramatizing contemporary history – the bold Greek victory halting the advance of mighty Persia.
Historical Significance
Beyond being the earliest complete Greek tragedy, "The Persians" also stands out for pointedly rendering recent political events on stage. The defeat still resonated freshly for Athenian audiences, making this empathetic portrayal of Persian anguish wildly popular – yet also subtly patriotic by celebrating Greek victory.
References indicate Aeschylus himself fought courageously at Salamis, lending the tragedy greater authenticity and immediacy. Through this dynamic, sympathetic depiction of Athens‘ formidable foe, "The Persians" played a unique role commemorating the Greeks‘ against-all-odds triumph.
Structure & Plot Overview
The storyline follows the Persian Queen Atossa and court awaiting news of King Xerxes‘ invasion of Greece 10 years after his father Darius first attacked Athens. A messenger relays the catastrophe – Persia‘s naval rout at Salamis has devastated the empire. Xerxes returns in tattered robes,sparking lamentations from the chorus of Persian elders. Darius‘ ghost arises to criticize and instruct Xerxes on ruling with moderation and wisdom – the hallmarks of quality Greek theatrical use of the supernatural.
| Progression of Key Events in "The Persians" | ||
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | – Queen Atossa awaits news of Persia‘s invasion of Greece | – She fears after an ominous dream |
| Rising Action | – Messenger describes Persian catastrophe at Salamis | – Xerxes returns to Persia in utter defeat |
| Climax | – Xerxes‘ anguished lamentations with the Chorus | |
| Falling Action | – Darius‘ ghost criticizes Xerxes‘ hubris | – Warns against repeat invasion of Greece |
This simplified dramatic arc showcases Aeschylus‘ skill at ratcheting the dramatic tension while also eliciting sympathy for Persia‘s humiliation by crafting a "tragedy of defeats" centering on enemy characters.
Chorus Conventions Established
A vital feature of Greek drama was the chorus – a group of performers who sang lyrical odes commenting on the action. In "The Persians", the chorus represents Persian elders offering lamentations and wisdom. Aeschylus reduced the chorus from 50 to 12 – making them more integral to the action. He also added the seminal innovation of a second actor enabling dramatic dialogue – the antagonist to the protagonist. These seminal elements shaped drama for centuries after establishing the template for the tragic format.
Performance History & Popularity
Records show "The Persians" won first prize at the City Dionysia festival competition in 472 BCE – a supreme honor. For context, this athletic-style competition was judged by 10 adjudicators selected by lot, who awarded prizes for tragedy based on performances at Athens‘ prestigious Theatre of Dionysis:
| Size of Theatre of Dionysis Over Time | Max Estimated Spectators |
|---|---|
| 6th century BCE opening | 3,000 spectators |
| 4th century BCE renovations | Up to 17,000 spectators |
Winning such a prominent competition helped cement "The Persians" as a resounding hit. The play likely toured other city-states given records showing revivals being staged over the next 50 years as the earliest known "replay". Clearly audiences far and wide responded fervently to this dramatization of Persia‘s demise.
While only 32 Greek tragedians are known from antiquity – 18 of Aeschylus‘ estimated 70-90 plays survive thanks to his prominence. Several profound dramas like "The Orestia" trilogy establish him as a true titan of theatre. Yet his first masterstroke, "The Persians", deserves special distinction as the earliest Greek play still intact. Through this groundbreaking historical tragedy, the spirit of classical drama stirs unextinguished.
