Πέρσαι, a classical tragedy by Aeschylus, was likely written in the 5th century BC. The play depicts the aftermath of the Persian defeat at the Battle of Salamis, focusing on Atossa, the mother of King Xerxes, and a chorus of Persian elders who express their fears for their homeland. It explores themes of fate, hubris, and the suffering caused by war, culminating in the realization of the consequences of Xerxes' arrogance as news of the catastrophic defeat reaches them.
