Thespius

Thespius, also known as Thespios, was a figure from Greek mythology, often associated with the arts and theater. He was the son of the god Dionysus and the mortal Antigone, daughter of King Oedipus of Thebes. Thespius is credited with inventing the art of tragedy, which he developed in response to the death of his mother. According to legend, he created the first tragedy, "The Persians," to honor her memory and to express his grief and anger at the Persian defeat of the Greeks at the Battle of Marathon.

Thespius is also known as the founder of the city of Thespiae, located in Boeotia, Greece. The city was named after him and became an important center for the performance of tragedies. Thespius is often depicted as a tragic figure himself, as his life was marked by both great achievements and personal tragedy. He is remembered as one of the earliest and most influential figures in the development of Greek theater and the arts.