Drama, a 6th century BC Greek invention, was most popular in Athens. Dramas usually involved a small number of main characters. The actors, who were always men, wore masks representing the different characters, so one actor could play several roles, including female parts.
A 'chorus' of supporting actors commented directly to the audience on the play's action, and there was accompanying music. Tragedies often told of events from the mythical past which involved conflict between human actions and divine laws. Comedies dealt with every-day life and often poked fun at politicians and the gods.
The most famous playwrights were Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes: this excerpt from Aeschylus's tragedy 'The Persians' tells of the Persian defeat at Salamis.
