# Sophocles

## Biography

Sophocles, an eminent ancient Greek tragedian, was born around 496 BCE in Colonus, a suburb of Athens, to a wealthy family. He was highly educated and, at age sixteen, led a choral chant celebrating the Greek victory at Salamis. Sophocles became one of the three great Athenian tragic playwrights, alongside Aeschylus and Euripides, and enjoyed immense success throughout his career. He is credited with writing over 120 plays, though only seven have survived in their entirety, including the renowned Theban plays: *Oedipus Rex*, *Antigone*, and *Oedipus at Colonus*. His innovations in drama included the introduction of a third actor, which allowed for more complex character interactions and reduced the reliance on the chorus. For nearly fifty years, Sophocles dominated Athenian dramatic competitions, securing an impressive twenty-four victories and never placing lower than second. Beyond his theatrical contributions, he also served Athens in various political and military capacities, including as a general and a financial official. Sophocles died around 406 BCE, having lived through a significant period of Athenian history.

## Books

- [Oedipus King of Thebes: Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes](https://samolit.com/books/96379)
- [Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone](https://samolit.com/books/95987)