Pentheus

The date of the performance of this play is not known. Lycophron was certainly operating in the 3rd century BC. He is listed amongst the tragic Pleiad (see TrGF1, Cat A 5, p.54-5). There is also evidence to suggest that he was living at Alexandria under Ptolemy II Philadelpus (ruled 285-246 BC), who apparently entrusted him with the correction of the copies of comedies held in the Library (see Tzetzes 'p' comoid.). Ptolemy's death therefore offers the end point of the date range for performance given here. The performance venue for this tragedy is not known, Alexandria is offered here on the basis of conjecture. No fragments of the Pentheus survive, but we know of the title from the entry in the Suda.