Table of Contents

B.C. 495: Birth of Sophocles

480: Chosen to lead the chorus celebrating the Greet victory over Persia at Salamis

468: Production of the lost Triptolemus; defeats Aeschylus in the dramatic festival

?: Production of Antigone

440: Appointed general, serves on expedition against the island of Samos

?: Production of The Women of Trachis

431: Outbreak of war between Athens and Sparta

?429: Production of Oedipus the King

?: Production of Electra

409: Production of Philoctetes

406: Death of Sophocles

401: Posthumous production of Oedipus at Colonus

About the Author

Sophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than or contemporary with those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides.

Peter D. Arnott was a puppeteer and Professor of drama at Tufts University. He wrote many books and translated many classical plays.