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Eighteen of Euripides's plays have endured through time, each showcasing his innovative style that drew both criticism from his peers and admiration from future audiences of readers and theater enthusiasts. Among his most well-known works is Medea, a 431 B.C. reinterpretation of the myth about a sorceress who, when faced with abandonment and exile in an unfamiliar land, killed her own children and cursed her unfaithful husband. Another notable play, Hippolytus (428 B.C.), tells the tale of King Theseus's wife, Phaedra, who becomes infatuated with her stepson, Hippolytus, leading them both to ruin.
Classical historian Michael Grant has authored several books on the ancient Greeks and Romans, including The Rise of the Greeks (1987), which primarily focuses on the Greek Empire's political and military history; The Classical Greeks (1989), offering insights into Greek society through concise biographical sketches of significant Greek writers, philosophers, and leaders; and A Social History of Greece and Rome (1992), which examines the roles of women and men, slaves, and citizens within Greek society.
The Mask of Apollo is a historical fiction novel by Mary Renault. The protagonist, Niko, is a 4th century B.C. actor who journeys across the Greek Empire, performing for kings and tyrants while forming friendships with the renowned philosopher Plato and the esteemed soldier and statesman Dion. The book draws on Renault's extensive classical research, offering an engaging glimpse into Greek life from thousands of years ago.
Much of what we know about classical Greek tragedy comes from Aristotle's Poetics, a 4th century B.C. work where the philosopher aims to define dramatic poetry (tragedy). Aristotle identifies six key components of effective tragedies: plot, character, theme, diction, music, and spectacle. He specifically references the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides as examples. While there are numerous translations and editions of the Poetics, S. H. Butcher's version, first published in 1902, is frequently used in educational settings and appears often in literary collections.
For almost 150 years, both students and educators have turned to Bulfinch’s Mythology as a reliable and enjoyable resource for learning about the world's great heroes, gods, and myths. This comprehensive collection of legends, originally published in 1855 and still accessible in recent editions, features Thomas Bulfinch's well-researched and retold stories of some of the most famous narratives ever known, including those about the full pantheon of Greek gods and the mortals who dared to challenge them.
Peter Connolly’s The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens & Rome serves as an introduction to the history and culture of two of history's greatest empires. Rich with original drawings that depict what ancient theatres, temples, and homes might have looked like, as well as photographs and useful maps, Connolly's meticulously researched text is clear, straightforward, and engaging.
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