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“Darkness! / Horror of darkness enfolding, resistless, unspeakable visitant sped by an ill wind in haste! / Madness and stabbing pain and memory / Of evil deeds I have done” (Sophocles, Oedipus the King, 1314-20).

Oedipus Rex

Author: 

Sophocles

496 BCE – 406 BCE
Dates are approximate

Sophocles’ long life spans most of the 5th Century and coincides with the peak of Athenian political and cultural achievements.  When Sophocles was still a child, the Greek city states won a decisive victory against the invading Persian armies in 490 BCE and again in 480.

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