This article discusses a somewhat ‘neglected’ side of the Satyr Drama; the deeper causes of its decline that occurred from mid-5th century B.C. and onwards. Following on from the transfer of the Satyr Chorus to the centre of action and the presentation of the main characteristics of each tragedian, I will argue that it is Euripides who should be held primarily responsible for the decline of this specific genre. Behind this poet however lies the social and political context prevailing during the Golden Age of Athens. Changes in social concepts led almost inevtably to the decline of the Satyr Drama which also affected the theatre. The democratic regime served as a catalyst for these processes. The recognition of each citizen’s value reverts the focus from the Satyr Chorus to the satirical hero, whilst rationalism, which is the basic philosophic tendency, encourages a view of the world of the Satyrs as an ancient residuum that should be shunned. Thus, it was the new order of things which emerged through democracy and imposed new social and other beliefs that led the Satyr Drama to its death.
