Translation, Introduction, and Annotations by Gohar Muradyan and Aram Topchyan

This volume presents five iconic comedies by Aristophanes, the revered "father of comedy" (c. 446 – c. 385 BCE): Knights, Clouds, Birds, Lysistrata, and Frogs. These works are newly translated from the original Greek, with Birds, Lysistrata, and Frogs appearing in Armenian for the first time. The translation of Knights included here replaces the earlier version adapted from Russian and published in the "Anthology of Ancient Literature" (1952). Clouds, initially translated by Aram Topchyan and published in 1990, undergoes a substantial revision in this edition.

The introduction delves into the comedies themselves while also providing a concise overview of Aristophanes' life, the essence of ancient Greek theater, and the structural and metrical hallmarks of his plays. Aristophanes' comedies are masterpieces of both content and form, captivating audiences for centuries with their witty narratives, incisive political satire, and clever domestic humor. Their enduring relevance is undeniable.