Life Xenocles the Elder of Athens (Ξενοκλῆς ὁ πρεσβύτερος Ἀθηναῖος) was a 5th-century BCE Athenian tragic poet, the son of the tragedian Carcinus I and a member of a prominent family of dramatists from Thoricus [1]. He is historically noted for his victory in the tragic competition at the City Dionysia in 415 BCE, where he defeated Euripides, who presented a trilogy including the Trojan Women [1][2]. He is sometimes distinguished from a later namesake, possibly his grandson, known as Xenocles the Younger [1].

Works No specific play titles by Xenocles the Elder survive. His victory in 415 BCE confirms he produced a full tetralogy (three tragedies and a satyr play), but the names of these works are lost [1][2].

Significance His primary significance lies in his familial context and his notable victory over Euripides, which illustrates the variable nature of theatrical judging in classical Athens [1][2]. His critical reputation was modest; Aristotle references a Xenocles (likely the Elder) in the Poetics as a poet whom "nobody would dream of comparing" with the great masters [1].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics (Oxford University Press): https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-6902 2. Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University): https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Dxenocles-bio-1