Πέρσαι

"Πέρσαι" by Aeschylus is a classical tragedy likely written in the 5th century BC. The play focuses on the aftermath of the Persian defeat at the Battle of Salamis and features key characters such as Atossa, the mother of King Xerxes, and a chorus of Persian elders who express their concerns and fears for their homeland. The work highlights themes of fate, the consequences of hubris, and the suffering inflicted by war. The opening of "Πέρσαι" introduces a group of elderly Persian nobles who are anxious about the fate of their army led by Xerxes, who is away fighting in Greece. They reflect on the vastness of Xerxes' forces but are filled with foreboding as no news has arrived. Atossa, Xerxes' mother, soon enters, troubled by a prophetic dream. As she consults the elders about her fears, a messenger arrives to bring news of their army's catastrophic defeat. This foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold as the consequences of their hubris are revealed. (This is an automatically generated summary.)