Iphigeneia at Aulis

Iphigenia at Aulis, written in 410 BC, is the last surviving work of the playwright Euripides. First produced four years after his death, the play won first place at the Dionysia. The play revolves around Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek coalition during the Trojan War, and his decision to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia to allow his troops to set sail and preserve their honor by doing battle against Troy. The conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over the fate of a young woman presages a similar conflict between the two at the start of the Iliad. The Greek force is waiting at Aulis with their ships ready to advance to Troy, but they are unable to sail due to a strange lack of wind. After consulting the seer Calchas, the Greek leaders learn that this is no mere meteorological abnormality but is, in fact, the will of the goddess Artemis, who has stopped the winds because Agamemnon has caused her offense. Calchas informs the general that to placate the goddess he must sacrifice...