Aeschylus was an ancient Greek tragedian often described as the father of tragedy. Academic knowledge of the genre begins with his work, and understanding of earlier Greek tragedy is largely based on inferences made from reading his surviving plays. According to Aristotle, he expanded the number of characters in the theatre and allowed conflict among them. Formerly, characters interacted only with the chorus.
Roman marble herma of Aeschylus dating to c. 30 BC, based on an earlier bronze Greek herma, dating to around 340-320 BC
Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore of Eleusis, Aeschylus' hometown
The death of Aeschylus illustrated in the 15th century Florentine Picture Chronicle by Maso Finiguerra
Modern picture of the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, where many of Aeschylus's plays were performed
Greek tragedy is one of the three principal theatrical genres from Ancient Greece and Greek inhabited Anatolia, along with comedy and the satyr play. It reached its most significant form in Athens in the 5th century BC, the works of which are sometimes called Attic tragedy.
Mask of Dionysus found at Myrina (Aeolis) of ancient Greece c. 200 BC – 1 BC, now at the Louvre
Maenads dancing, bringing a sacrificial lamb or kid
Dionysus surrounded by satyrs. Attic red-figured cup interior, 480 BC.
Aeschylus