1. Athens in Sophocles’ Day
The City and the Man

2. When We Think of Athens…

4. Mars Hill, Athens

5. About Sophocles
Born at Colonus, just outside Athens, somewhere around 496 BC
Was a well-to-do family, so he was given the proper education, incl athletics and music
Lived a long life - died in 406 BC
Was active in public affairs - general at least once, and special commissions
Known mainly as the most successful dramatist to present plays in Dionysian Theater
Won first prize at the festival at age 28 over Aeschylus
Won first prize 18 more times
Sometimes won second prize (including Oedipus)
Wrote 123 plays
Only seven have come down to us complete

6. Ancient Athens So … Why so much remarkable cultural action?
City was crowded, dirty, and had apprx 300k population
No running water, central heating, or artificial light
Still, culture thrived, and European philosophy, history, drama, architecture, and sculpture all emerged from the fifth century BC
So … Why so much remarkable cultural action?

7. Defeat of the Persians Causes Cultural Pride
Greeks in early firth century BC were considered weak
Early in the century, the Greeks defeated a large-scale attack by the Persian Empire
A new patriotic awakening of sorts occurred - they were inspired by heroes and their own potential

8. Athenian Government
Athenian gov’t was based on a democracy, the first in history
Democracy encouraged/demanded freedom of thought, which in turn fostered new ideas, action, achievement
Their democracy involved all citizens; all expected to participate/debate
How did it work? Democratic rights only extended to men, and not slaves
Slaves did most of the hard labor such as silver mining
Slaves' rights were strong, however - not allowed to strike one (problem b/c slaves and citizens dressed alike)

9. The Polis (City-State)
The polis was more than just a government – it was a way of life
Like a large family – a man was expected to serve his state with utmost devotion
The king was expected to show even more devotion, to be more zealous of personal glory than other men

10. Function of the Citizen
The small free population was expected to take an active role in public affairs than we do today
Citizen acted in person rather than through representatives and senators
Same in court of law - he stated his own case before a jury of his fellow citizens

11. Greek View of the Self
The Greek is concerned about himself and his place in the universe
Sees value in himself as an individual – concerned about his honor
Expectation to be great – when this was achieved there was enthusiasm to share

12. Greeks and Modesty
Modesty is not considered sensible – need a realistic sense of one’s own worth; thus Oedipus accepts acclaim and recognizes his own
The purpose for a man’s being virtuous is not for some solitary inner feeling – but for the praise of the people of his Polis (city-state)
Desires his name to live for generations