The word “satire” made its way into the English language in the sixteenth century. In 411 BC, the ancient Greek poet Aristophanes wrote Lysistrata. In this satirical comedy, the protagonist Lysistrata convinces women to withhold sex from men in an effort to convince them to end the Peloponnesian War.

When did satire begin?

Lesson Summary

From as early as the 7th century B.C.E., writers have been developing a genre of works dedicated to social or literary criticism through the use of comedic elements known as satire.

Did Greeks invent satire?

Ancient Greece

The Greeks had no word for what later would be called "satire," although cynicism and parody were common techniques. ... The oldest form of satire still in use is the Menippean satire named after the Greek cynic Menippus of Gadara.