Here's why:
* Thespis: Considered the first actor, he introduced a single actor who interacted with the chorus, marking a shift from purely choral performances.
* Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides: These playwrights are considered the "fathers of tragedy" and their works explored complex themes of morality, justice, and human nature.
* Aristophanes: This playwright is known for his comedies, which satirized political and social issues.
* The Athenian Festivals: Plays were performed during religious festivals like the City Dionysia, giving them a cultural and social significance.
While drama had existed in earlier cultures, the Greeks formalized it into a highly structured and influential art form that continues to be studied and performed today.