Tryphon (play)

Tryphon is a fragmentary tragedy written by the Roman playwright Accius. It is known primarily through quotations preserved by later grammarians and authors.

While the exact plot of Tryphon is unknown due to its fragmentary nature, it is generally understood to have dealt with the life and actions of Tryphon, a Seleucid Greek general who usurped the throne of the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BC. The fragments suggest a focus on the themes of ambition, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.

Accius' Tryphon is notable for its use of elevated language and rhetorical devices, typical of Roman tragedy of the period. Although only snippets survive, they offer glimpses into Accius' dramatic style and his engagement with Greek historical figures. The play, along with Accius' other tragedies, helped to shape the development of Roman tragedy and influenced later playwrights. Reconstruction of the play's original content and structure remains a challenge for scholars due to the limited available evidence.