Notes

Naturally Aristophanes’ references in the parabasis of Acharnians only hint at, and those in later plays suppress, the participation of any other poet than himself in glorious combat with the monstrous politician. Although Phormio was mentioned in comedy as late as Aristophanes’ Peace 348, there is much to be said for Wilamowitz’s belief that his prominence in Taxiarchoi points to that play’s production not long after his death in 428 bc. Aristophanes might doubtless have adapted Eupolis’ name in some other way, e.g. to Agathopolis (though clearly Sosipolis and Sopolis were out). If Aristophanes alone had been the object of some action by Cleon, doubtless they would. In the absence of any indication hitherto that the character was Aristophanes, they would only have made that identification now if the name or its components led them to it.