Introduction to Euripides (03:36)

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Experts believe Euripides may have been born on the Battle of Salamis. In 4th Century BC, the Greek Empire flourished and was building the Parthenon. Before becoming a playwright, Euripides studied philosophy and fought against Sparta. (Credits)

Life in the Greek Empire (02:04)

Socrates traveled to watch Euripides' plays. Many playwrights wrote about the Trojan War and horse. The Kouros of Apollonas lies unfinished on the island of Naxos.

Attic Drama (03:53)

During a Dionysian festival, actors performed Greek plays in a theatron; builders adapted theaters during different ages of the empire. Priests and officials sat closest to the actors. Characters wore masks, onkos, and corthuni.

Euripides' Influences (02:30)

Euripides witnessed what occurred when Melos refused to take sides; Athens enslaved all the women and children of the island after slaughtering all the men. "The Trojan Women" premiered in 415 BC.

"The Trojan Women": Hector Dies (10:03)

Hecuba laments the loss of her son and Cassandra. Andromache would prefer to die than live. Hecuba urges her to make the best of the situation; if she bears other children they can help build a new Troy.

"The Trojan Women": Talthybius Returns (09:43)

Talthybius informs Andromache that Astyanax must be executed. Andromache says goodbye to her son and curses Helen.

"The Trojan Women": Hecuba Says Goodbye (04:01)

Talthybius leaves with Astyanax. Hecuba watches Troy burn to the ground. Euripides influenced the plays of John Milton, Jean Racine, Vittorio Alfieri, Lord Byron, and Eugene O'Neill.

Credits: Euripides' Life and Times: The Trojan Women (01:44)

Credits: Euripides' Life and Times: The Trojan Women