The Bacchae is a tragedy by Euripides, written in 407 BC in Pella, Macedon, at the court of King Archelaus. It was staged by his son or grandson in 405 BC in Athens. The play was performed posthumously after the author's death (406 BC) and was part of a trilogy along with the plays "Iphigenia in Aulis" and "Alcmaeon of Corinth." This trilogy won the first prize.

The tragedy Bacchae has a genuine Dionysian theme, recounting the arrival of Bacchus (Dionysus) in Thebes, during which Pentheus is murdered by his mother Agave because he resisted worshiping the new god.

Some believe that the play was written to be performed at dramatic competitions organized by the Macedonian king in honor of the Muses and Dionysus, based on internal testimonies and references.

This tragedy was also performed at the royal court of Phaedra, as recorded by Plutarch.

Euripides is the third of the three great poets of ancient Greek dramatic poetry. He is characterized as a realist playwright, as he depicts the characters of his plays as they are in reality and is considered a "philosopher on stage" because he thoughtfully examines the themes he explores.