Greek tragedy is an art form that reached its peak during the Greek Golden Age of the fifth century and influences literature even in the present day. Initially, tragedy was a term that was designated to a certain type of drama presented at a particular Athenian festival held in honor of the god Dionysus. In those days, plays had to follow strict guidelines to be counted as a tragedy: they were mostly characterized by seriousness and dignity and involved a great person who experienced a reversal of fortune.