Knights, was first produced and performed in the archonship of Stratocles in 424 BC. Aristophanes composed it and brought it to the festival with the aim of ridiculing Kleon, the demagogue. The play won first prize at the Lenaean festival. It was Aristophanes' first production in his own name, frequently recognised to be one of his best plays.
Introduction to Knights
The Acharnians, Knights, and Clouds by Aristophanes - Internet Archive
This passage describes the satirical attack by the playwright Aristophanes on the demagogue Kleon in his play "The Knights". Aristophanes had previously criticised Kleon in another play, The Banqueters, which led to Kleon bringing a charge against him before the Heliaia. Aristophanes retaliated a year later with "The Knights", a highly daring and witty political satire.
During this time, Kleon had gained significant influence as both a statesman and a soldier. The context provided involves a military operation at Pylos, where a group of Spartan soldiers had been trapped on an island. Kleon criticised Nicias, one of the Athenian generals, claiming that seizing the Spartans would be easy if the generals were competent. Nicias, provoked by Kleon's remarks, challenged him to undertake the task himself, which Kleon reluctantly accepted under public pressure. Surprisingly, Kleon succeeded in capturing the Spartans, which boosted his political standing.
Despite this success, Aristophanes boldly attacked Kleon in "The Knights". The play portrays Kleon as a corrupt, manipulative slave who has undue influence over Demos (the personification of the Athenian people), represented as a cranky, easily manipulated old man. Aristophanes cleverly attributes the success at Pylos to the general Demosthenes, suggesting that Kleon unjustly had taken credit for it.
The play involves a comedic contest between Kleon and a newly introduced character, a Sausage-Seller, who is prophesied to surpass Kleon in winning over Demos. The Sausage-Seller eventually succeeds, highlighting the absurdity and corruption of Kleon’s character. The play’s chorus, composed of Athenian Knights, reflects their opposition to Kleon’s populist tactics.
"The Knights" was well-received and won first prize at the festival where it was performed, showcasing Aristophanes' skill in using humour and satire to critique political figures and social issues of his time.
It might be thought that Kleon accused Aristophanes of eisangelia [high treason] but there is no clear historical record for this. According to historical sources, Kleon charged Aristophanes with the lesser charge of slandering the state and possibly with some form of legal prosecution, though the specifics of the actual charge are not well-documented.
THUCYDIDES History of the Peloponnesian War, Books 1-4 - Internet Archive
History of Greece Volume III: Thirlwall, Connop - Internet Archive
Battle of Pylos - Wikipedia
Kleon, a prominent Athenian politician during the Peloponnesian War, played a significant indirect role in the Battle of Pylos. By 426 BCE, Athens, under the leadership of Pericles, had adopted primarily a defensive strategy against Sparta. Kleon, a rising political figure known for his populist rhetoric and aggressive stance, opposed this approach. After the sudden death of Pericles (in 429 BC), politicians like Kleon gained more influence, by advocating for a more offensive strategy to be taken against Sparta. In 425 BC, a small Athenian force, on their own initiative or perhaps responding to Kleon's calls for aggression against Sparta, landed at Pylos, on the Spartan coast.
During the Pylos campaign the Athenians unexpectedly to them were able to fortify a position there and subsequently able to defeat a Spartan force sent to dislodge them, Kleon played a key role in the aftermath of this battle. The Spartans, facing a situation they deemed dishonourable to them, offered peace talks. Kleon, known for his aggressive stance, argued strongly against accepting these their terms. Thucydides, a historian critical of Kleon, portrays him as advocating for a very harsh peace deal on Sparta, with his demanding concessions Athens hadn't received in the past.
This unexpected move placed Sparta in a precarious position. Kleon himself wasn't present at the Battle of Pylos, but he seemed to its people to have engineered its success for Athens and his tough approach led him to increase his popular vote with the people.
Argument
In Knights two slaves, Nicias and Demosthenes [historically these were the names of two well-known Athenian generals at the time], having overheard the plans of their master, Demos, to choose a new favourite, conspire against The Paphlagonian (parodying Kleon) who has been their master's current favourite. They seek out a Sausage-Seller named Agoracritos, who, despite his lowly origins, an oracle has prophesied would defeat The Paphlagonian and become the new favourite. Through a series of comedic events and confrontations, Agoracritos ultimately triumphs, thereby symbolising the defeat of Kleon.
Dramatis Personae
Speaking Parts
Demosthenes, the First Slave of Demos, Servant of The-People
Nicias, the Second Slave of Demosm Servant of The People
Agoracritos, The Sausage-Seller or Butcher
The Paphlagonian, parody of Kleon, Athens' populist pro-war politician. In role of Steward of Demos' household, sometime referred to as the tanner or a leather curer as his foul smelling and low class trade.
Demos, the master of the household. Name means "The People" of the Athens. Those who attend the Pnyx.
Chorus: Athenian Cavalrymen, members of the second class in Athenian society.
Mute Parts
Boy
Two pretty girls
Additional slaves of Demos
Skene
Demos' house in a street near The Pnyx, the meeting place of the Athenian Assembly.
Summary of Plot
Act I (Lines 1-497)
Demosthenes and Nicias, slaves in the household of Demos [name meaning the people of Athens], are frustrated with their miserable situation under Kleon, a newly-bought slave from Paphlagonia who holds great influence over their master using flattery and deceit, and has curried favour with Demos, so much so that Demos has made him his chief slave or steward of his household. Demosthenes, emboldened by wine, devises a plan to steal Kleon's oracles. One of these oracles reveals a prophecy predicting the downfall of Kleon at the hands of a sausage-seller. Before they can search for this individual, A sausage-seller arrives on the scene. Seizing the moment, they inform him of the prophecy, highlighting that his audacity and deceitfulness make him fit to lead the hoi polloi of Athens, and they promise him the support of the Knights.
Kleon enters, making threats, but is met by the Chorus of Knights who vigorously attack him. Encouraged by the Knights' support, the sausage-seller and Kleon engage in a heated exchange, each boasting of their merits, with the Chorus backing the sausage-seller. Feeling pressured, Kleon shifts the battle to the Boulé, the Athenian senate.
Parabasis I. (Lines 498-610)
The Leader of the Chorus and the Chorus of Knights, all in character:-
Kommation (498-506). Lines to gain attention of audience.
Anapaests (507-546): Praise of the play's poet as a defender of justice and opponent of Kleon.
Pnigos, (547-550).
Ode (551-564): Invocation of Poseidon Hippios (Lord of Horses).
Epirrhema (565-580): Praise of the Knights of old and their sons.
Antode (581-594): Invocation to Pallas and Nike; appeal for victory.
Antepirrhema (595-610): the Knights praise their horses. A humourous description of Nicias' expedition against Corinth in 424 BC.
Act II Scene 1 (Lines 611-1263)
Parabasis II (1264-1315)
The Leader of the Chorus and the Chorus of Knights, all in character:-
Ode (1264-1273): Personal abuse.
Epirrhema (1274-1289): Defence of right to personal abuse.
Antode (1290-1299): Personal abuse.
Antepirrhema (1300-1315): Attack on Hyperbolus and his proposed plan, mostly personal abuse.
Act II, Scene 2 (Lines 1316-1405)
In the closing scene of "Knights," the Sausage-Seller, Agoracritos, emerges as having gained victory over Kleon in their contest for power and influence over the Athenian people. Agoracritos, represents the simple, common man, yet he manages to outdo Kleon using his wit and the support of the chorus of Knights.
Demos (the Athenian People) is rejuvenated: the Sausage-seller, who now represents the new political force in Athens, has outsmarted the corrupt Paphlagonian (Kleon). Demos' power and youth are restored to him; and Demos makes Agoracritos the steward of his household, and is given all the privileges that The Paphlagonian formerly had.
The Paphlagonian gets his comeuppance. Demos, following (Agoracritos') the Sausage-Seller's suggestion, forces The Paphlagonian to become a sausage-seller himself, selling sausages made from dog and donkey meat, in a humiliating and absolute reversal of fortune.
The play ends with a celebratory tone as Agoracritos leads a procession (Exodus) of the chorus and actors from the theatre, in celebration of his victory. He promises reforms and a better future for Athens and its citizens. The final scene is marked by festivity and relief, highlighting Aristophanes' characteristic blend of sharp political commentary and comedic elements.
References
Ancient Athenian Sausages:
Whilst the exact ingredients and recipe for ancient Athenian sausages are unknown, they were likely similar to sausages from other parts of the Mediterranean world at that time. These sausages were typically made from ground offal (meat made from the organs of animals) like liver, heart, and tripe, stuffed into casings made from intestines or stomachs. They would have been seasoned with herbs and spices like salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano.
These sausages would have been a cheap and filling food, popular amongst all classes of Athenians. They could be eaten hot or cold, and were often served with bread or vegetables. The ideal snack for those attending the spectacle of a dramatic play.
They might have been equivalent to the Scottish haggis.
The Knights - Wikipedia
Hippeis - Wikipedia
Cleon - Wikipedia
The Oxford classical dictionary Cleon:- Internet Archive
Pnyx - Wikipedia
The Oxford classical dictionary: Pnyx - Internet Archive
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The Oxford classical dictionary: Ekklesia - Internet Archive
Boule (ancient Greece) - Wikipedia
The Oxford Classical Dictionary: Boulé - Internet Archive
Nicias - Wikipedia
The Oxford classical dictionary: Nicias - Internet Archive
Nicias - Livius
Demosthenes (general) - Wikipedia
The Oxford classical dictionary: Demosthenes (1) - Internet Archive
Demosthenes (general) - Livius
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Chapter 7 - Harassing The Satirist: The Alleged Attempts To Prosecute Aristophanes
by Alan H. Sommerstein
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Crowell's handbook of classical drama pp. 189- : Hathorn, Richmond Y. - Internet Archive
Dithyramb, Tragedy and Comedy by A.W. Pickard-Cambridge pp 314-315 Internet Archive
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https://www.gutenberg.org/files/59107/59107-h/59107-h.htm#CHAPTER_II
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Greek Versions
Aristophanis Equites: Aristophanes: editit J van Leeuwen - Internet Archive
Aristophanous komoidiai. Aristophanes Comedies. Volume I Acharnians and Knights - Internet Archive
Aristophanes: The Acharnians, The Knights - Internet Archive
Aristophanes: Knights Editor and Translator: Alan H. Sommerstein, Aris & Phillips ISBN 9781800346352 - Google Books https://bit.ly/3Fk0hpx
Aristophanes : The Acharnians, The Knights
Edited by W,C, Green
https://archive.org/details/cu31924026465702/page/n6/mode/1up
Equites : The Knights of Aristophanes
Edited by R.A. Neil
https://archive.org/details/equitesknightsof00aris/page/n6/mode/1up
The Knights by Aristophanes
Oxfrod Clarendon Press
W.W. Merry
https://archive.org/details/theknights00aris/page/n4/mode/1up
The Knights of Aristophanes: Aristophanes - Internet Archive Edited by T. Mitchell
Aristophanes: The Knights
In Volume 1: The Acharnians ; The Knights
Edited and Translated by Benjamin Bickley Rogers
https://archive.org/details/ComediesOfAristophanesV.1/page/n308/mode/1up
Loeb Edition L 178
Aristophanes I : Acharnians, Knights Clouds Wasps
Edited and Translated by Benjamin Bickley Rogers
https://archive.org/details/L178AristophanesIAcharniansKnightsCloudsWasps/page/n6/mode/1up?view=theater
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text.jsp?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0034
Scenes from Aristophanes The Knights
By A. Sidgwick
https://archive.org/details/knights188200aris/page/n6/mode/1up
Aristophanes; with the English translation of Benjamin Bickley Rogers : Aristophanes - Internet Archive
Aristophanis comoediae; recognoverunt brevique adnotatione critica instruxerunt F.W. Hall [et] W.M. Geldart - Internet Archive
Aristophane: Les Cavaliers - V. Coulon - Internet Archive
Knights: Aristophanes - Internet Archive edited and translated by Alan H. Sommerstein
The Comedies of Aristophanes: Vol 2. Aris & Phillips. ISBN 0-85668-178-4
English Translations
http://classics.mit.edu/Aristophanes/knights.html
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Knights_(Aristophanes)
Aristophanes Volume I - Havard University Press
The Acharnians. The Clouds. The Knights. The Wasps
Translated by Benjamnin B. Rogers
https://archive.org/details/aristophanes0001aris_q9r4/page/n6/mode/1up
The Knights of Aristophanes
Translated by T. Mitchell
https://archive.org/details/knightsofaristop00aris/page/n5/mode/1up
Delphi Complete Works Of Aristophanes: Knights
The Complete Plays of Aristophanes
The Knights (p.53-) Translated by R.H.Webb
https://archive.org/details/completeplaysofa0000aris/mode/1up
The Knights, Peace, Wealth, The Birds, The Assemblywomen: Aristophanes - Internet Archive Penguin Classics
Aristophanes
I. The Acharnians. II. The Knights. III. The Clouds
Athenian Society
https://archive.org/details/aristophanesiach00arisrich/page/n6/mode/1up
Aristophanes
The Acharnians, Knights, and Clouds;
Translated by B.D. Walsh
https://archive.org/details/acharniansknight00aris/page/121/mode/1up
Delphi Complete Works Of Aristophanes
The Knights (p.55-)
https://archive.org/details/delphi-complete-works-of-aristophanes/page/n55/mode/1up
Aristophanes : a metrical version of The Acharnians, The Knights and The Birds
by John Hookham Frere
https://archive.org/details/aristophanesmetr00arisiala/page/n6/mode/1up
Penguin Classics
Aristophanes: The Knights ; Peace ; The Birds ; The Assemblywomen ; Wealth
Translator: Alan Sommerstein
https://archive.org/details/knightsandpeacea0000aris/mode/1up
https://archive.org/details/knightspeacewea00aris
Eight comedies of Aristophanes
Acharnians. Knights. Clouds. Wasps. Peace. Birds. Frogs. Plutus.
Translated by L-H Rudd
https://archive.org/details/eightcomediesofa00arisrich/page/n4/mode/1up
The Comedies of Aristophanes Volume I
The Acharnians, Knights, Clouds, Wasps, Peace, and Birds
W.J. Hickie
https://archive.org/details/cu31924087931675/page/n8/mode/1up
The Knights ; [and], Peace ; [and], The Birds ; [and], The Assemblywomen ; [and], Wealth : Aristophanes - Internet Archive
Aristophanes; tr. Alan H. Sommerstein (1981). Knights. Volume 2 of Comedies of Aristophanes. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-85668-178-3.
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text.jsp?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0034
The Knights; Peace; Wealth; The Birds ; The Assemblywomen [1986]
by Aristophanes; Translated by David Barrett and Alan H. Sommerstein
ISBN 0140443320 9780140443325
https://archive.org/details/knightspeacewea00aris/mode/1up
Clouds Ed. Mcleish Tg. (1979). United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
ISBN: 9780521220095
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=YjI8AAAAIAAJ
https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Complete_Plays_of_Aristophanes/ukFh4weMIUAC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Webb%20Aristophanes%20Knights&pg=PA60&printsec=frontcover
Clouds ; Women in power ; Knights : Aristophanes - Internet Archive translated by Kenneth McLeish
Aristophanes: Acharnians, Knights, Wasps, Peace: A Verse Translation, Aristophanes - Google Books
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