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The City Dionysia And Athenian War-Making In Context

1621 Words7 Pages

The City Dionysia and Athenian War-Making in Context The role of the City Dionysia in Athenian social context is one that is widely studied.Ultimately, it can be said to function as valuable evidence regarding the civic ideology and social context of the Athenian demos. In this way, this essay aims to examine the festival of the City Dionysia, including its pre-play rituals and dramatic contests, and how it reinforces the commitment of classical Athenians to waging war. This is explored through an analysis of its historical and political context and influence, means of funding and the relationship between its rituals and war-making. This essay also explores the competitive nature of comedy, tragedy and its contests, as demonstrated in an analysis …show more content…

Various means of funding the City Dionysia, most notably admission fees, and the implications of these means, demonstrate the Athenian commitment to war-making. The respective sources and distribution of funding for the festival can indicate the role of certain aspects not just in the festival, but also more broadly within Athenian society. For example, in Wilson’s ‘Costing the Dionysia,’ he is able to attempt an estimate for the funding of the City Dionysia. In his discussion, he pinpoints admission fees as a way to cover the “cost of constructing and disassembling the theatre” each year. He also highlighted the “novelty” of charging for a religious festival, indicating that the festival occupied a role that was less focused on the religious significance of Dionysus but rather one that functioned as more of a representation of the state. From this, it is also possible to consider the purpose of funding these festivals instead of directing these same funds to contemporary war efforts. This is a point made by Plutarch in his work …show more content…

Part of Dicaeopolis’ desire for peace can be attributed to its financial impact on the citizens, particularly his own “fields.” Another included reason is the “weariness” of the soldiers. While it is Dicaeopolis who prevails in the end, the play’s portrayal of the resentment towards the Spartans and some non-Greeks, who are often referenced as ‘barbarians.’ On the other hand, it is also important to consider war as one of the most prevalent themes of these plays and how the polyphonous nature contributes to an ultimate reinforcement of war. In many ways, war was represented as a matter of civic pride, notably emphasised through portrayals of significant Athenian ideals such as bravery, self control, and particularly honour, similar to that of the aforementioned war orphan procession. Another example is Trojan Women wherein the war is presented as tragic even for the victors, however is still

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