The Persians
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Performing Arts
The Persians Details
The Persians is an Athenian tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. First produced in 472 BCE, it is the oldest surviving play in the history of theatre, is based on experiences in Aeschylus's own life, specifically the Battle of Salamis. It is unique among surviving Greek tragedies in that it describes a recent historical event. The Persians focuses on the popular Greek theme of hubris by blaming Persia's loss on the pride of its king.It opens with the arrival of a messenger in Susa, the Persian capital, bearing news of the catastrophic Persian defeat at Salamis to Atossa, the mother of the Persian King Xerxes...
Reviews
The Persians is technically the earliest tragedy that has survived. Unlike most Greek tragedies which are based on Greek myths, The Persians is entirely based on recent historical events, and not a single character is Greek It takes place at the Persian Court as news drifts in to King Xerxes' mother of the defeat of the Persian navy by the Greeks at Salamis. Her deceased husband Darius makes an appearance as a ghost. This play was written only a few years after the actual battle of Salamis, in which the playwright (Aeschylus) had fought. As dramatic literature it is only fair, with all the action taking place offstage. However, for history buffs like me it is fascinating work because of its immediacy to a major event of the ancient past. The descriptions of the sea battle, the killings of Persian soldiers and their leaders and the escape of King Xerxes all have a remarkable "you are there" quality. I recommend it particularly to all who enjoy ancient history.