Aeschylus, born around 525/524 BCE in Eleusis, was a prominent ancient Greek tragedian, often recognized as the father of tragedy. His family was affluent, with his father, Euphorion, possibly belonging to the ancient nobility of Attica. Aeschylus began his career in tragedy after a divine vision from Dionysus inspired him to write. His first performance occurred in 499 BCE, and he achieved his first victory at the Great Dionysia in 484 BCE.Only seven of Aeschylus's estimated 70 to 90 plays survive in complete form, with ongoing debates about the authorship of 'Prometheus Bound.' Fragments of other works have been found, providing further insights into his contributions to drama. Aeschylus is credited with expanding the number of characters in plays, allowing for conflict among them, and he was likely the first to present plays as a trilogy, exemplified by his work 'Oresteia,' the only complete trilogy from ancient Greece that remains.Aeschylus's life was significantly shaped by the Persian Wars. He fought at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, where his brother Cynegeirus was killed. He also participated in the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE and the Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE. His military service influenced his writing, particularly in 'The Persians,' which reflects on the Persian defeat and is unique for addressing contemporary events. Aeschylus was initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries and faced accusations of impiety for revealing cult secrets, but he was acquitted, partly due to his military service.In the 470s BCE, Aeschylus traveled to Sicily, where he produced plays for Hiero I of Syracuse. By 473 BCE, he had become a leading figure in the Dionysia, winning numerous competitions. He married and had two sons, Euphorion and Euaeon, both of whom became tragic poets. Aeschylus died in Gela, Sicily, around 456/455 BCE, with legends surrounding his death involving a tortoise dropped by an eagle.Aeschylus's works include 'The Persians,' 'Seven Against Thebes,' 'The Suppliants,' and the 'Oresteia' trilogy, which consists of 'Agamemnon,' 'The Libation Bearers,' and 'The Eumenides.' His plays often explore themes of divine justice, human suffering, and the role of the polis. 'The Persians' focuses on the consequences of hubris, while 'Seven Against Thebes' examines the impact of divine intervention in human affairs. 'The Suppliants' highlights democratic principles through the story of the Danaids seeking refuge.The 'Oresteia' addresses the cycle of vengeance within the House of Atreus, culminating in the establishment of a legal system. 'Agamemnon' depicts the king's return and subsequent murder by Clytemnestra, while 'The Libation Bearers' follows Orestes's quest for revenge. 'The Eumenides' concludes with Orestes's trial and acquittal, emphasizing the transition from personal vengeance to a structured legal system.Aeschylus's influence on Greek drama is profound, as he introduced innovations such as the second actor and elaborate staging. His moral and religious themes resonate throughout his works, reflecting the societal values of his time. His legacy continued to impact later playwrights and remains significant in the study of literature and drama.