T.S.Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral is based on which historical event of the past? [British Drama]

T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral" is based on the historical event of the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. Becket was a controversial figure in his time, as he often clashed with King Henry II over the power and autonomy of the Church. Eventually, Becket was murdered by four knights in his own cathedral, an act that sparked widespread outrage and cemented Becket's legacy as a martyr for the Church.

Eliot's play is a retelling of Becket's story, focusing on the events leading up to his murder and exploring the themes of power, morality, and spirituality that were central to Becket's life and legacy. The play draws on various historical sources and incorporates elements of classical Greek drama, medieval mystery plays, and Christian hagiography to create a rich and complex meditation on Becket's life and death.

In this sense, "Murder in the Cathedral" is a historical play that uses the story of Becket's murder as a means of exploring broader philosophical and spiritual questions. Through its use of imagery, symbolism, and character development, the play invites audiences to reflect on the nature of power, the role of the Church in society, and the meaning of sacrifice and martyrdom.