Why did Euripides leave Athens for Macedonia in 408 BCE?

In 408 BCE, Euripides left Athens for Macedonia to accept an invitation from King Archelaus, who sought to bring renowned artists to his capital at Pella to help spread the refinements of Greek civilization.12

While it is often suggested that Euripides was motivated by disappointment regarding the reception of his plays in Athens, historians note that there were likely multiple factors influencing an aging poet’s decision to depart during the 23rd year of the Peloponnesian War. Euripides remained in Macedonia until his death in 406 BCE.13