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Michael Scott looks at the decline of Athens and the triumph of theatre, which spread throughout the Greek world and beyond and gave rise to a new kind of comedy.

Classicist Dr Michael Scott looks at the dramatic decline of Athens and the remarkable triumph and transformation of theatre. During the 4th century BC Athens would lose its Empire, its influence and even its democracy. But theatre, that most Athenian of inventions, would thrive, spreading throughout the Greek world and beyond and giving rise to a new kind of comedy, one so popular and prevalent that it is still at the heart of comedy today.

1 hour

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Scott
Series Producer David Wilson
Director Catherine Abbott
Executive Producer Harry Bell
Producer Catherine Abbott

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Learn how the birth of satire in Ancient Greek echoed through the ages

A OpenLearn journey to the ancient world, exploring the heart of Athens: the theatre.