Fifth Century Greece and Its Influence

The fifth century B.C. in Greece marked significant progress in philosophy, art, and government. Esteemed writers like Aristotle, Aeschylus, and Sophocles produced works in drama, philosophy, and politics that would shape the world for millennia. Democracy was emerging, and the "Hippocratic Oath," penned by Hippocrates the Great in 429 B.C., was being sworn by the earliest physicians; this oath remains a tradition for modern doctors. The Golden Age of Athens (480-404 B.C.) coincided with Sophocles's lifetime, a period when many foundational ideals of the contemporary Western world began to take form.

Bronze Age of Greece

Antigone is set in Thebes during the Bronze Age, around the 1200s B.C. Sophocles leverages the myths surrounding Oedipus's family (Antigone's father) to delve into the social and political concerns of his era. In Sophocles's time, attending the theater was both a civic and religious obligation. By situating his play 800 years before his own time, he could examine social and political issues without offending the current rulers. Through the authoritarian rule of Creon and the defiant Antigone, he warns against the perils of dictatorship and underscores the role of women in Greek society.

Civil and Moral Unrest

In 429 B.C., a devastating plague wiped out nearly two-thirds of Athens's population, leading to civil and moral turmoil and challenging the limits of democracy. Warfare was also prevalent as Greek city-states vied for trade, commerce, and cultural dominance. This turbulence is mirrored in the plot of Antigone, which begins with the civil war between Antigone's brothers and concludes with the tragic deaths of Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice.

Democracy and Government

Sophocles was not only a celebrated writer but also a government official in Athens. Democracy in Ancient Greece differed from modern practices in the United States. Full citizenship, including voting rights, was granted only to free men; women and slaves were excluded from full citizenship and subjected to different societal norms. Despite these inequities and limitations, the principles established in the fifth century B.C. laid the groundwork for the founders of the United States and other global democracies as they aimed to create a free democratic government.

Playwrights and Drama

Writers from the fifth century B.C. laid the foundations for both tragedy and comedy. At the Great Dionysia festival, the first three plays presented were tragedies, followed by a satyr play that humorously mocked the themes and characters of the preceding tragedies. The "satyr" play served as a precursor to modern satire, which employs humor to critique or ridicule. After the satyr plays, a comedy by a different playwright was performed, as the competitions for comedic and tragic plays were distinct from one another.

Tragedy at the Great Dionysia adhered to stringent rules, and these plays were esteemed as significant cultural artifacts. To qualify—let alone win—dramatic works had to follow a precise format that had been in place for many years. To maintain this cultural treasure, the transmission of knowledge was highly valued; playwrights were expected to educate as well as create. Aeschylus, a renowned tragedian, was one such teacher who imparted the techniques of tragedy to younger writers. Sophocles, one of his students, would later surpass his mentor at the Great Dionysia. He, in turn, passed on his expertise to newer generations. Modern plays are often judged by the standards established by Ancient Greek works, with contemporary playwrights drawing guidance and inspiration from figures like Sophocles and Aeschylus.

The Sophists

In fifth-century B.C. Athens, a groundbreaking group of teachers and philosophers known as the Sophists emerged. This group diverged from tradition by concentrating on human actions rather than the conventional myths of gods and goddesses. Sophocles was among these individual teachers who, despite having varying views and standards, collectively agreed that their primary focus should be the study of human behavior. These middle-class educators taught the sons of the wealthy about politics and democratic practices, enjoying the full support of Pericles and other leaders.

1200s B.C.: Greek states were ruled by dictators from the royal family. Power was passed down from father to son, excluding daughters from succession. Citizens had no influence over state matters.

400s B.C.: Democracy began to emerge in Greece. For instance, Athens was governed by ten generals elected by the free male populace. Citizens could now participate in governmental decisions.

Today: Democracies thrive across all continents. The United States, one of the most renowned democracies, was inspired by the Athenian democratic experiments of the 400s B.C. Since the Cold War ended—a period of nonmilitary tension between democratic and Communist nations—many more countries are transitioning to democratic governance.

1200s B.C.: Greek society was "polytheistic," meaning they worshipped multiple gods. Zeus was the chief deity, accompanied by gods like Hades, the god of death, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who resided with Zeus on Mount Olympus. The Greeks believed in making offerings to appease the gods and that ritual sacrifices could influence the gods' actions on matters such as harvests or wars.

400s B.C: Greek society remained polytheistic, but worship practices became more flexible as long as the city's gods were honored. Worshipping the gods was still significant but evolved into more of a civic and social responsibility. Artistic focus shifted from divine actions to human endeavors.

Today: Most Western societies are monotheistic, worshipping a single god. Religion has become less central in many societies, and rituals like sacrifices and offerings are largely taboo in most Christian denominations. There is a growing interest in earth-based and pagan religions, but the Greek gods have faded into myths and legends, now mainly revived through films, books, and television.

1200s B.C.: Bronze was the primary material for crafting weapons and household tools. The advent of the Bronze Age marked a significant advancement in civilization, enabling the creation of new tools and weapons that made life easier and more productive.

400s B.C.: The Golden Age of Athens (480-404 B.C.) brought forth great tragedies and comedies in theater, exquisite sculptures, and advancements in democratic ideals. This period was pivotal in developing democratic principles and laying the foundations for modern drama.

Today: Technological and scientific advancements from the late twentieth century, such as space travel, personal computers, and alternative energy sources, are poised to have a lasting impact on future generations.

1200s B.C.: In Bronze Age Greece, modern doctors did not exist. Instead, oracles and prophets would interpret the gods' will, and actions were taken based on their insights.

400s B.C.: Hippocrates the Great composed the Hippocratic Oath in 429 B.C. This oath establishes ethical guidelines for the medical profession and contains the pledge: "I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but I will never use it to injure or wrong them."

Today: Modern doctors continue to take the Hippocratic Oath upon graduating from medical school. However, in recent times, some schools have excluded its prohibition of abortion.