Sophocles

Sophocles, one of the greatest ancient Greek playwrights, was born around 496 BC in Colonus, a small village near Athens. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a comprehensive education in music, poetry, and gymnastics. His talent for writing plays was evident from a young age, and he soon became a prominent figure in Athenian theater.

Sophocles wrote over 120 plays in his lifetime, although only seven tragedies have survived intact. His most famous works include Oedipus Rex, Antigone, and Oedipus at Colonus. These plays are known for their exploration of complex moral and philosophical themes, as well as their sophisticated character development and dramatic tension. Sophocles' contributions to the development of Greek drama were immense, and his works continue to be studied and performed around the world to this day. He lived to be around 90 years old and died in Athens in 406 BC, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in history.