At the outset of the Trojan War, the Greek fleet is trapped at Aulis by adverse winds. Through the prophet Calchas, Artemis demands the sacrifice of Iphigenia, Agamemnon’s firstborn child. Iphigenia at Aulis (IA) depicts the events leading to that sacrifice. This tragedy was likely produced in 405 BC at the Dionysia festival, about a year after Euripides’ death, along with Bacchae and the non-extant Alcmeon in Corinth (it is not known if a satyr play accompanied the three tragedies, as was customary). Produced by ‘Euripides Minor’ (a son or nephew?), the trilogy garnered a rare first place finish for the deceased poet in the competitive festival.
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