499 Æschylos exhibited his first tragedy, in unsuccessful
competition with Pratinas and Chœrilos.
The wooden scaffolding broke beneath the crowd of spectators,
and the accident led the Athenians to build their first stone
theatre for the Dionysiac festivals.
Partly out of annoyance at his defeat, it is said, and partly in
a spirit of adventure, Æschylos sailed for Sicily.