Choerilus

Athenian tragic poet

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Quick Facts

Flourished:: c. 510 bc, Athens [Greece]

Flourished:: c.510 BCE -

See all related content

Choerilus (flourished c. 510 bc, Athens [Greece]) was one of the earliest recorded Athenian tragic poets, of whose work only one title (Alope) and one disputed fragment remain. Choerilus is said to have produced his first play about 523 bc and to have competed against the tragedian Aeschylus about 498. Some sources credit him with 13 victories in the festival contests and with certain innovations in tragic masks and costumes.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.