Ancient Greek tragedy, as practiced in 5th-century BCE Athens, was more than just entertainment; it was a deeply religious and civic ritual. Performed as part of the Great Dionysia festival, these plays explored profound moral and philosophical questions through the lens of myth and legend. A central feature of Greek tragedy was the chorus, a group of performers who sang and danced in the 'orchestra' area. The chorus acted as a bridge between the audience and the actors, offering commentary on the action, reflecting on themes of justice and fate, and providing emotional context. All actors wore masks, which allowed a single performer to play multiple roles and helped convey strong emotions to the large audience in the open-air theaters. The plots typically involved a noble hero who suffered a tragic downfall due to 'hubris'—excessive pride or defiance of the gods. This downfall was intended to produce 'catharsis' in the audience, a purging of emotions like pity and fear. Through these stories, the tragedy challenged the citizens of Athens to reflect on their own lives and the stability of their democratic society.