Cratinus, Aristophanes and Attic countryside. A note on the hypothesis of Cratinus’ Dionysalexandros (POxy. 663 col. i, rr. 20-25)

Abstract

This paper offers a discussion on a passage from the hypothesis of Cratinus’ Dionysalexandros (POxy 663 col. i, rr. 20-25). According to this source, Cratinus hinted, in his play, at Spartans’ invasions of Attic countryside during the first years of the Peloponnesian War. This is one of Aristophanes’ most typical comic themes. As a matter of fact, from Banqueters to Peace (i.e. 427-421 BC), the poet staged realistic comedies with rustics as protagonists, depicting the countryside as an idealised place and developing in various ways the theme of the forced urbanisation of Attic country people. Although there is no evidence that Cratinus dramatized this theme, at least he referred to it in his comedy and this could have inspired the young Aristophanes.