Sophocles
- Born:
- c. 497/496 BC, Colonus, Attica, Greece
- Died:
- c. 406/405 BC, Athens, Greece
- Nationality:
- Ancient Greek
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy family in Colonus, near Athens.
- Received a traditional Athenian education, excelling in music and gymnastics.
- Chosen to lead the paean (choral hymn) celebrating the victory at the Battle of Salamis.
Career and Major Achievements
- Won his first Dionysia drama competition in 468 BC, defeating Aeschylus.
- Won approximately 24 Dionysia competitions throughout his career, more than any other playwright.
- Introduced innovations to Greek drama, including the addition of a third actor and an increased focus on individual characters.
- Served as a general alongside Pericles during the Samian War.
- Elected as one of the ten generals assigned to deal with the Sicilian Expedition crisis.
Notable Works
- Ajax
- Antigone
- Oedipus Rex (also known as Oedipus the King)
- Electra
- Trachiniae (also known as The Women of Trachis)
- Philoctetes
- Oedipus at Colonus
Legacy and Impact
Sophocles is considered one of the three great tragedians of ancient Greece, along with Aeschylus and Euripides. His plays explore complex moral and philosophical themes, and his innovations in dramatic structure had a profound influence on the development of Western drama. Studying the nuances of a work like the "antigone author biography outline" becomes essential in appreciating his work.