Archippus
Archippus was an Athenian poet of the Old Comedy, active in the late 5th century BC. He is primarily remembered for his play "The Fishes," which satirized the Athenian epicures' fondness for fish. Alexandrian critics also attributed several plays to him that were previously assigned to Aristophanes.
- Century
- 5th century BC
- Country Or Region
- Greece
Key Facts
- ›Archippus was an Athenian poet of the Old Comedy.
- ›He flourished in the late 5th century BC.
- ›His most famous play was "the Fishes."
- ›"The Fishes" satirized the Athenian epicures' fondness for fish.
- ›Alexandrian critics attributed four plays to him that were previously assigned to Aristophanes: Dionysus Shipwrecked, Islands, Niobos, and Poetry.
- ›Archippus was ridiculed by his contemporaries for his fondness for wordplay.
About Archippus
Archippus was an Athenian poet of the Old Comedy, whose activity is noted in the late 5th century BC. His theatrical work is primarily known through surviving titles and fragments of his plays, as well as through the assessments of later critics.
Life and Historical Context
Archippus was a figure of classical Athens during a vibrant period of dramatic production. His comedic style, particularly his use of wordplay, was a notable characteristic, though it also led to him being ridiculed by his contemporaries. He was active in the late 5th century BC.
Major Works and Attributions
His most celebrated play was titled "The Fishes," which gained notoriety for its satire of the Athenian elite's passion for seafood. Beyond this, titles and fragments of six plays attributed to him are preserved: "Amphitryon," "The Donkey's Shadow," "Fishes," "Hercules Getting Married," "Pinon," and "Ploutos." Furthermore, Alexandrian critics later assigned authorship of four plays previously credited to Aristophanes to Archippus: "Dionysus Shipwrecked," "Islands," "Niobos," and "Poetry."
Legacy
Archippus's work contributes to our understanding of Old Comedy and the social commentary present in Athenian theatre. The rediscovery and reattribution of plays by later scholars highlight his position within the lineage of Greek comic playwrights.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Archippus?
Archippus was an Athenian poet of the Old Comedy who was active in the late 5th century BC. He is known for his satirical plays, which commented on Athenian society and its customs.
What is Archippus most famous for?
He is most famous for his play titled "The Fishes," which satirized the Athenian epicures' keen interest in and fondness for consuming fish. This play highlights his wit and critical observation of his contemporaries.
Which plays were attributed to Archippus by Alexandrian critics?
Alexandrian critics attributed four plays to Archippus that had previously been assigned to the more famous playwright Aristophanes. These plays are Dionysus Shipwrecked, Islands, Niobos, and Poetry.
What was Archippus's comedic style like?
Archippus was known for his fondness for playing upon words, a characteristic that his contemporaries apparently found worthy of ridicule. This suggests a playful and perhaps pun-laden style in his comedic writing.
What plays by Archippus still have preserved titles and fragments?
Titles and fragments of six plays attributed to Archippus are preserved. These include Amphitryon, The Donkey's Shadow, Fishes, Hercules Getting Married, Pinon, and Ploutos.
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