Seven Against Thebes

Historical Context and Significance

«Seven Against Thebes» is a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus, written in 467 BC. It is part of a trilogy dedicated to the myth of the curse of the House of Labdacus, to which King Oedipus belonged. The play tells the story of the conflict between Oedipus' sons, Eteocles and Polynices, for power over Thebes. The historical significance of this tragedy lies in its exploration of themes such as fate, family curses, and civil war, which were relevant to ancient Greek society. Its cultural impact is evident as the play became an important part of the classical repertoire and influenced the subsequent development of the tragic genre. It also inspired many authors to create works exploring the conflict between personal ambitions and public duty.