Agent-Based Modeling and Ancient Greek Drama

The chapter suggests the potential for exploring the application of agent-based modeling (ABM) to ancient dramatic texts, concluding with a number of observations. Dramatic genres appear to be particularly open to ABM, as they inherently involve the modeling of agents through characters’ interactions on stage and actors’ simulations of behaviors. Furthermore, ABM could assist in tracking the generic distinctions between tragedy and comedy, particularly in the context of agent networking, a domain where stylometry might have limitations. ABM has the potential to contribute to the emergence of novel behaviors, alternative interpretations, and “what if” scenarios, drawing upon a range of contexts and events; it could therefore also be useful to explore the possibility of simulating the social dynamics of the agents outlined in the dramatic fragments. The chapter then presents the results of experiments conducted with students, which appear to underscore the potential benefits of incorporating ABM into the teaching of ancient drama.