Source Analysis - Writing Assignment - Situation Resulting from Warfare at Thebes

This assessment task requires you to analyse a specified source in depth and place it in the wider context of the ideas and debates about funerary practices in the ancient world to which it relates.   Question 2. Euripides’ tragedy The Supplices (also known as The Suppliants or The Supplicant Women) was written in the 5th century BC. It describes a situation resulting from warfare at Thebes: following Oedipus’ departure from Thebes, his sons fight for control of it. Polyneices lays siege to Thebes against his brother Eteocles. Polyneices, through his marriage the daughter of Adrastus, King of Argos, has on his side the Argive army, leaders of which help form the Seven Against Thebes. The invaders lose the battle, and Polyneices and Eteocles both die. Creon takes power in Thebes and decrees the invaders are not to be buried. The mothers of the dead seek someone to help reverse this, so their sons can be buried.