Aristophanes: - Aristophanes (446-386 BCE)*was a Greek comedy writer, who produced about 40 plays throughout his career. His work was the embodiment of "Old Comedy"--an early form of the genre that used exaggerated characters and scenarios. Aristophanes' first play, The Banqueters, was pro...

Aristophanes: - Aristophanes (446-386 BCE)*was a Greek comedy writer, who produced about 40 plays throughout his career. His work was the embodiment of "Old Comedy"--an early form of the genre that used exaggerated characters and scenarios. Aristophanes' first play, The Banqueters, was produced in 427 BCE, quickly followed by The Babylonians *. His most famous production, Lysistrata, was initially performed in 411 BCE and centers on one woman's attempt to end a war by holding a sex strike. Due to his sensationalized plots and vibrant characters, Aristophanes is considered one of the architects of Greek comedy.