Sophocles’ Family: An Overview

Sophocles, the renowned ancient Greek tragedian, was not only a celebrated playwright but also a member of a notable family. This article provides an overview of Sophocles’ family, drawing information from various reliable sources such as Notable Biographies, Wikipedia, and Britannica.

Parents

Sophocles was born to Sophilus, his father, who was the owner of a successful weapons factory. The exact details of his mother are not widely known, and there is limited information available about her in the historical records. However, it is clear that Sophocles hailed from a well-established and prosperous family background.

Wives

Sophocles had the privilege of being married twice during his lifetime. His first wife was Nicostrata, with whom he had two sons named Iophon and Sophocles. The precise details of Nicostrata’s background and her life beyond her marriage to Sophocles are not extensively documented.

After the passing of Nicostrata, Sophocles entered into a second marriage with Theoris. Theoris became his second wife, and together they had a son named Ariston. Unfortunately, there is limited information available regarding Theoris, and her life remains largely obscure.

Sons

Sophocles had three sons in total from his two marriages. Iophon and Sophocles were his sons from his first wife, Nicostrata. The exact details of their lives and achievements are not adequately recorded, and their legacy mainly rests on their connection to their illustrious father.

Ariston, on the other hand, was the son of Sophocles and his second wife, Theoris. Like his half-brothers, Ariston’s life is shrouded in historical obscurity, and little is known about his personal accomplishments or contributions.

In conclusion, Sophocles came from a prosperous family, with his father being a successful owner of a weapons factory. He was married twice, first to Nicostrata, with whom he had two sons named Iophon and Sophocles, and later to Theoris, with whom he had a son named Ariston. The information available about Sophocles’ family is limited, and many details about his relatives’ lives are not extensively documented.

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FAQs

Who were Sophocles’ parents?

Sophocles’ father was Sophilus, the owner of a successful weapons factory. The details of his mother are not widely known.

How many wives did Sophocles have?

Sophocles had two wives over the course of his life.

What were the names of Sophocles’ sons?



Sophocles had three sons in total: Iophon and Sophocles from his first wife, Nicostrata, and Ariston from his second wife, Theoris.

What were the names of Sophocles’ wives and children?

Sophocles’ first wife was Nicostrata, and they had two sons named Iophon and Sophocles. His second wife was Theoris, and they had a son named Ariston.

Are there any notable accomplishments or contributions from Sophocles’ sons?

The historical records provide limited information about the accomplishments or contributions of Sophocles’ sons. Their legacy mainly rests on their connection to their famous father.

What is known about the background of Sophocles’ wives?

There is limited information available about the background and lives of Sophocles’ wives, Nicostrata and Theoris.

Was Sophocles’ family considered prosperous?



Yes, Sophocles came from a prosperous family background, with his father being the owner of a successful weapons factory.

Are there any other family members of Sophocles mentioned in historical records?

The historical records focus primarily on Sophocles himself, and there is limited information available about other family members or relatives.