Military values in fourth-century tragedy

Carter, D. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8950-3722 (2025) Military values in fourth-century tragedy. In: Pritchard, D. M. and Worthington, I. (eds.) Waging War in Fourth-Century Athens: New Appraisals. Routledge, London, pp. 316-334. ISBN 9781003541851

Abstract/Summary

This chapter offers a method for the use of tragedy as historical evidence, taking the pseudo-Euripidean Rhesus as a case study. Rhesus is probably of fourth-century origin and is set in a military camp at night. Although, in common with most Greek tragedy, it lacks historical specificity, Rhesus can be read as an exploration of military values in the fourth century. In particular, this play comes with a keen sense of the division of labour within an army. We are told that different people have different qualities and are suited to different jobs. There are spies, whose special operations may be unpleasant but can be effective. There is also, in the chorus, a group of watchmen, who seem at times bored of their duties, at other times scared and confused.