Aeschylus

Aeschylus, often regarded as the father of tragedy, was an eminent ancient Greek playwright born in 525/524 BCE in Eleusis, a small town near Athens. His life spanned a period of significant political and cultural change in Greece. He fought in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE and, later, at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE, experiences that deeply influenced his dramatic works.

Aeschylus' career as a dramatist flourished during the early part of the 5th century BCE. He wrote approximately 70-90 plays, though only seven have survived in their entirety. His most famous works include "The Oresteia," a trilogy consisting of "Agamemnon," "The Libation Bearers," and "The Eumenides." These plays are celebrated for their complex characters, profound themes, and exploration of moral and ethical issues.

Aeschylus is credited with significant innovations in the theatrical arts, such as expanding the number of actors on stage, allowing for greater dramatic interaction, and enhancing the importance of the chorus. His contributions laid the groundwork for later playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides. Aeschylus died in 456/455 BCE in Gela, Sicily, leaving an indelible mark on the world of drama and literature, influencing both his contemporaries and successive generations.