Whether that is the case or not, it is generally agreed that Shakespeare wrote his version of the story sometime in 1605 to 1606. This places the play just after the writing of Timon of Athens and before that of Macbeth and Antony and Cleopatra. King Lear was first printed in 1608.

What time period is King Lear written in?

The play takes place in the eighth century BCE, but Shakespeare gives it a Jacobean twist by integrating facts and details of 17th century British social and political life.

Is King Lear based on history?

King Lear is a tragedy based on the chronicle history of a pre-Roman, Celtic king of Britain. In Shakespeare's play, Lear, intending to retire, stages a love test for his three daughters: he will portion his kingdom between them as dowries according to how much they profess to love him.