At the outset of the Trojan War, the Greek fleet is trapped at Aulis by adverse winds. Through the prophet Calchas, Artemis demands the sacrifice of Iphigenia, Agamemnon’s firstborn child.

(

) depicts the events leading to that sacrifice. This tragedy was likely produced in 405 BC at the Dionysia festival, about a year after Euripides’ death, along with

and the non-extant

(it is not known if a satyr play accompanied the three tragedies, as was customary). Produced by ‘Euripides Minor’ (a son or nephew?), the trilogy garnered a rare first place finish for the deceased poet in the competitive festival.

In keeping with the increasing humanism of the fifth century BCE, at the heart of this tragedy are the psychological weaknesses and moral

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Citation: Kovacs, George. "Iphigenia at Aulis". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 October 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=34387, accessed 21 November 2024.]