Phrynichos kommt vor Gericht

Since Herodotos says that the playwright Phrynichos was fined by "the Athenians," historians have often inferred that he was condemned by a popular tribunal. The context of the statement shows however that this formulation of Herodotos is of no avail in identifying the authority which meted out justice to Phrynichos. The amount of the fine and the outlawry of the play are better indications of popular involvement in the affair.