Considered as the pioneer of tragedy, the Greek dramatist Aeschylus was fated to meet a dramatic and high-profile end.

Before Aeschylus emerged in the theatrical scene during the 5th century B.C., plays primarily featured characters who only interacted with the chorus.

This style lacked the depth needed for compelling storytelling, prompting Aeschylus to introduce a wider array of characters that could engage with each other.

Apart from his innovative approach to theater, Aeschylus extensively penned about contemporary events, particularly focusing on the Greco-Persian Wars.

His work “The Persians” stands as the sole surviving classical Greek tragedy that sheds light on the culture of Ancient Greece.

In addition to his literary contributions, Aeschylus became affiliated with the Eleusinian Mysteries, a secretive cult.

Members were bound by an oath of secrecy regarding the cult’s rituals, creating an aura of mystery that persists to this day.

Speculations suggest that Aeschylus might have inadvertently disclosed some of the cult’s hidden practices in his later plays, leading some members to allegedly plot against him.

Nonetheless, historical records indicate that these attempts did not culminate in his demise.

Instead, a prophetic warning foretold Aeschylus’ death through a falling object.

Taking this prophecy seriously, he avoided outdoor settings whenever possible.

During a visit to Sicily, a favored location for staging his plays, fate took a tragic turn.

As recounted by Valerius Maximus, an eagle soared above Aeschylus and, mistaking his bald head for a rock, dropped a tortoise on him – a method used by birds to crack open the shells of tortoises.

This peculiar and untimely demise marked the end of the illustrious playwright’s life, adding a bizarre twist to the narrative of the father of tragedy.