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Aristophanes was an ancient Greek comic playwright. He is considered the greatest representative of ancient Greek Old Comedy and is the only one whose works are extant in their entirety. Aristophanes was born in Athens around 446 BCE and died around 386 BCE. He was the son of Philippides and Zenodora. He was a prominent figure in Athenian society and politics, and his plays often satirized contemporary figures and events.

Aristophanes wrote approximately forty plays, but only eleven have survived to the present day. These plays include The Clouds, The Birds, Lysistrata, and The Frogs. His comedies are known for their witty dialogue, political satire, and fantastical plots. They often feature a chorus that interacts with the actors and provides commentary on the action. Aristophanes' plays were performed at the City Dionysia, a major Athenian festival.

The themes in Aristophanes' plays are diverse, ranging from politics and war to social issues and mythology. He frequently criticized Athenian democracy, its leaders, and its policies, particularly during the Peloponnesian War. His works offer a valuable glimpse into the social and intellectual life of ancient Athens. Aristophanes' influence on later comedy is undeniable, and his plays continue to be performed and studied today.