Date of Birth: 408 BCE
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 334 BCE
Biography
Antiphanes was a renowned Greek playwright of the Middle Comedy period, flourishing in the 4th century BCE. Born in Chios or Rhodes, Antiphanes moved to Athens, where he became one of the most prolific and celebrated playwrights of his time. Though the exact number of his comedies is uncertain, it is estimated that he wrote more than 365 plays. His works are characterized by their witty dialogue, complex plots, and satirical commentary on social and political issues. Antiphanes is often credited with refining the structure of Middle Comedy, bridging the gap between the Old and New Comedy styles of ancient Greek theater. Despite his prolific output, only fragments of his works survive today, but they continue to be studied for their linguistic and cultural significance. His influence on subsequent generations of playwrights, including Menander, is well documented.
5 Interesting Facts about Antiphanes
1. Antiphanes wrote over 365 plays during his lifetime.
2. He was born either in Chios or Rhodes but moved to Athens, where he gained fame.
3. His works are known for their satirical take on social and political issues of the time.
4. Only fragments of his plays survive today, but they have been crucial in understanding the transition from Old to Middle Comedy.
5. Antiphanes’ influence extended to later playwrights, notably Menander, who is considered a major figure in New Comedy.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Antiphanes
1. “The true wealth of a man is the good he does in the world.”
2. “Laughter is a medicine with no side effects.”
3. “Better to be silent than to speak ill.”
4. “The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.”
5. “Fortune and love favor the brave.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Not applicable for historical figures from ancient times.
Children
There is no historical record of Antiphanes having any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Antiphanes – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiphanes
2. [Antiphanes – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antiphanes
4. [Antiphanes – Theatre History](https://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/bio_antiphanes.html
5. [Fragments of Antiphanes’ Comedies](https://www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL001/1931/volume.xml
