Socrates

The Athenian philosopher Socrates (c. 470-399 BCE): his life and method, his place in Athenian politics, and his trial and death.

Category: Figures

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1. 423 BCE
   Aristophanes stages The Clouds

   In 423 BCE the comic playwright Aristophanes presents The Clouds, which caricatures Socrates, and it comes third. Only a revised version survives. Eleven of his forty plays remain, the only complete Old Comedy.

   Greek city-statesAthensLiteratureSocrates📍 Athens
2. 406 BCE
   Arginusae and the trial of the generals

   In 406 BCE Athens beats the Spartan fleet at Arginusae, but a storm prevents the rescue of drowning sailors. Six of the eight generals are tried together by the assembly and executed. Socrates, presiding, refuses to put the motion to a vote.

   Greek city-statesAthensSpartaPeloponnesian WarSocrates📍 Athens
3. 399 BCE
   The trial and death of Socrates

   In 399 BCE an Athenian jury convicts Socrates of impiety and corrupting the youth and sentences him to death. He drinks hemlock. Our main accounts are by his followers Plato and Xenophon. Historians still debate the real motives.

   Greek city-statesAthensSocrates📍 Athens