Sophocles was an ancient Greek dramatist who lived from about 496 to about 406 bce. He wrote more than 100 plays and was one of the three famous Greek tragedians (along with Aeschylus and Euripides).
Sophocles (c. 497/6–406 BCE) was one of the three great tragedians of classical Athens, alongside Aeschylus and Euripides. Best known for his powerful and psychologically complex plays, Sophocles introduced key innovations in theatrical structure, character development, and dramatic tension.
Sophocles of Kolōnos (c. 496 - c. 406 BCE) was one of the most famous and celebrated writers of tragedy plays in ancient Greece and his surviving works, written throughout the 5th century BCE, include such classics as Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and Women of Trachis.
Sophocles was the great Greek playwright of over 120 plays, seven of which are surviving today. What was the great Greek playwright Sophocles’ childhood like? Did he always have fame, fortune, and talent? Or did he grow up in a slum much like many talents today?
Sophocles, a preeminent Greek tragedian, is celebrated for his innovative contributions to drama, including the addition of a third actor, enhancing character depth. Only seven of his 123 plays, like "Oedipus Rex" and "Antigone," have survived intact.
For almost 50 years, Sophocles was the most celebrated playwright in the dramatic competitions of the city-state of Athens, which took place during the religious festivals of the Lenaea and the Dionysia. He competed in 30 competitions, won 24, and was never judged lower than second place.
After the death of his predecessor (456/5 BC), Sophocles became the preeminent playwright in Athens, a title he held onto for the next half a century, practically until his very death at the age of 90 in the winter of 406/5 BC.