The course aims to introduce students to the most significant political and social developments of ancient Greek history in the 5th century BCE, as well as to their relationship with Greek theatre (tragedy and comedy). In particular, it examines how historical processes shaped dramatic production and theatrical expression in classical Greece.

After the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the causes and consequences of the Persian Wars Persian Wars, the conditions that led to the rise of Athens during the Pentekontaetia, and the causes and devastating consequences of the Peloponnesian War Peloponnesian War for the unity of the Greek world; 
• recognize and explain the influence of these major historical events on the themes of ancient theatre and on the ways they were represented by 5th-century BCE playwrights;
• understand the interaction between political and cultural developments in classical antiquity.