Medea

Historical Context and Significance

«Medea» by Seneca is a tragedy written in the 1st century AD, and it is one of the most renowned and significant works of the Roman playwright. The play is based on the myth of Medea, known from Greek mythology, but Seneca adds new philosophical and psychological dimensions to it. The tragedy explores themes of revenge, passion, and the destructive power of love, as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The influence of this play on culture is immense: it has inspired numerous subsequent works of literature and art, including those by Euripides and later authors of the Renaissance. Seneca uses Medea as a means to explore human nature and moral boundaries, making it relevant even in a modern context.