# Euripides

## Biography

Euripides, born around 480 BCE, emerged as one of the three preeminent tragic dramatists of classical Athens. He lived through the vibrant intellectual ferment and turmoil of the Peloponnesian War, experiences that often shaped the more somber tones of his works. Known for his profound psychological realism, Euripides broke from tradition by portraying mythical heroes and gods with human flaws and intense emotions, making his characters relatable and complex. He penned roughly ninety plays, with nineteen tragedies surviving in complete form, including the iconic "Medea," "The Bacchae," and "The Trojan Women." His works often challenged established social norms and traditional religious beliefs, earning him a reputation as an intellectual and a realist. Despite achieving fewer victories in the Athenian dramatic festivals during his lifetime compared to his contemporaries, Aeschylus and Sophocles, his influence on later Western drama became immense. He left Athens for Macedonia in 408 BCE and died there around 406 BCE.

## Books

- [Medea of Euripides](https://samolit.com/books/96178)