The Suppliants

Aeschylus (c.525–c.456 BC), translated by Theodoridis, G., (contributor-contact-email)

The Suppliants, a play by the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus, was likely first performed shortly before the Oresteia in 458 BC. It is believed to be part of the Danaid Tetralogy, alongside the lost plays The Egyptians, The Daughters of Danaus, and the satyr play Amymone. Originally considered Aeschylus’ earliest work due to the chorus’s central role, later evidence places it among his later plays, postdating The Persians and possibly Seven Against Thebes. Noted for its rich choral lyricism, the play diverges from typical Greek tragedies that end in the protagonist’s downfall.

Pelasgus, the king of Argos, faces a critical decision. He must choose between offering asylum to the Danaids, which could provoke a war with Egypt, and denying their request, risking the wrath of Zeus, who is the protector of suppliants. Additionally, the Danaids threaten suicide if refused asylum, which would lead to ritual pollution of Argos and further divine displeasure. The play concludes with Pelasgus granting protection to the suppliants, thereby averting immediate conflict with Egypt. However, this resolution is temporary, suggesting that the subsequent plays in the tetralogy likely explore the ensuing war between Argos and Egypt and other associated tragedies.

Author Details

The ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus (c. 525–c. 456 BC) is credited as being the originator of the Greek tragic drama.

Born in Eleusis, in western Attica near Athens, Aeschylus was raised in a prosperous family, with his father, Euphorion, being a member of the ancient noble class of Attica, the Eupatridae.

Aeschylus initially worked in a vineyard, but experienced an epiphany when, according to the 2nd-century AD geographer Pausanias, the god Dionysus appeared to him in a dream - instructing him to pursue the nascent art of the theatrical tragedy. Aeschylus took this divine guidance to heart and began writing his first tragedy, which was performed in 499 BC when he was 26 years old. His talent quickly gained recognition, and he achieved his first prize at the City Dionysia contest in 484 BC.

Aeschylus’ life was interwoven with significant historical events. In 490 BC, he fought in the Battle of Marathon, defending Athens against the invading Persian army. His military service continued during the Persian Wars, with notable participation in the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, and the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC.

Aeschylus’ dramatic innovations included more expansive casts, allowing for complex interactions and conflicts. He is also credited with introducing trilogies, where three interconnected plays formed a cohesive narrative. His famous trinity, “The Oresteia,” consisting of “Agamemnon,” “The Libation Bearers,” and “The Eumenides,” explored themes of justice, vengeance, and the role of the gods in human affairs.

Despite his military and literary achievements, Aeschylus faced controversy in his later years when, according to Aristotle, he was accused of impiety for revealing the secrets of the Eleusinian Mysteries in one of his plays. However, he was acquitted, thanks in part to his distinguished record of military service.

Aeschylus died in Gela, Sicily, in 456 or 455 BC. His theatrical legacy was one of structural and thematic innovations that paved the way for future playwrights. Although only a few of his plays have survived intact, they remain as enduring classics of ancient Greek tragic theatre.

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Theodoridis, G.,

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