S/LI/49. Can Hippolytus plausibly be regarded as reflecting Euripides' engagement in the 'intellectual crisis' of later-fifth-century Athens?

This paper explores the cultural background against which Euripides wrote his 'Hippolytus'. Fifth Century Athens was a time of intellectual change, the develoment of the great Sophistic movement and introduction of scepticism. 'Hippolytus' is a finely woven challenge against traditional Greek thought. In giving a strikingly powerful voice to Phaedra (a much maligned lady), and challenging religious traditions, Euripides provokes his audience to react; he seeks our considered, intellectual response.