The Acharnians

The Acharnians is a comedic play written by the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes. The play was first performed in 425 BCE and is one of the earliest surviving works of Western literature. The play is set during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta and follows the story of a farmer named Dicaeopolis, who is tired of the war and its impact on his daily life. Dicaeopolis decides to make a peace treaty with the Spartans on his own, and he succeeds in doing so. He then proceeds to hold a private peace festival in his home, inviting his friends and neighbors to enjoy the peace and prosperity that comes with it. However, his celebration is interrupted by a group of angry Athenians who accuse him of treason and threaten to harm him. The play is a satire of the political and social conditions in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Aristophanes uses humor and irony to criticize the government and the war, and to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The play also explores themes of peace, justice, and the power of the individual to effect change. Overall, The Acharnians is a timeless work of literature that continues to be studied and performed today. It offers a unique glimpse into the politics and culture of ancient Greece, while also providing insights into human nature and the struggle for peace and justice.DICAEOPOLIS: Is this not sufficient to drive a man to hang himself? Here I stand chilled to the bone, whilst the doors of the Prytaneum fly wide open to lodge such rascals. But I will do something great and bold. Where is Amphitheus? Come and speak with me.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.