Line 1196
εἰ κἀστρατήγησέν γε μετʼ Ἐρασινίδου.
The phrase 'κἀστρατήγησεν' (καὶ + ἐστρατήγησεν) is a colloquial contraction typical of Old Comedy, where the final -ν of the enclitic καί is elided before the initial vowel of the verb. The verb στρατηγέω here functions as a perfective aorist, but the use of the present stem with aorist meaning (a phenomenon known as the 'aorist of the present stem' or 'mixed aorist') is a distinct feature of the Attic dialect found in comedy and later Koine, though rare in classical prose. The phrase 'μετʼ Ἐρασινίδου' refers to the historical figure Erasistratus, a general known for his role in the Peloponnesian War, specifically his involvement in the Sicilian Expedition. The use of the preposition μετά with the genitive case here indicates 'alongside' or 'in the company of,' which is a standard construction but carries a specific connotation of shared military command in this context.
The reference to Erasistratus (Ἐρασινίδου) is historically significant as he was a prominent Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War, particularly noted for his role in the Sicilian Expedition. The mention of his name in this context likely alludes to a specific historical event or a well-known anecdote about his military leadership, which would have been familiar to the original audience but may require clarification for modern readers.
Frogs. Aristophanes. . 2026-09-08.