ANCIENT GREECE

Ancient Greece

The term Ancient Greece refers to the time period between the 8th century B.C. and 146 B.C.

Between these dates, Greece had one of the most powerful and innovative societies in the world.

In 146 B.C., Greece was conquered by the Roman empire, which their society influenced heavily.

Ancient Greece Cont.

Greek Life

Greece was divided up into many Poleis, or city-states such as Athens and Sparta.

The Greeks are credited with creating the first Democratic society in which the common people had a say in government.

Greek Culture: Religion

Ancient Greeks practiced a pagan religion in which they worshipped many Gods. Some of the most important Greek Gods were: Zeus: The King of the Gods and father to

many. Hera: Wife of Zeus and Queen of the Gods Apollo: God of the sun, the arts, medicine, and

truth Athena: Daughter of Zeus, Goddess of wisdom

and justice Ares: God of war Hades: God of the underworld

Greek Gods

Greek Religion Cont.

The Greek Gods had many myths and stories surrounding them.

Greek Gods lived on top of Mt. Olympus, the tallest mountain in Greece.

They would often interact with the mortal world in these stories, as we will see in the Iliad.

The Greek Gods were not perfect by any means, and shared many characteristics with mortals, including jealousy and wrath.

Greek Culture: Philosophy

Greece was the home of many of the world’s most famous philosophers.

Many Greek philosophers focused on the importance of Reason in life.

Greek Philosophers included Socrates Plato Aristotle

Greek Culture: The Arts

The Greeks were passionate fans of theater.

Greek plays can often be classified as either Tragedy or Comedy, and the players (all male) used masks to show emotions.

Theaters were usually large, open air venues.

Greek Culture: The Arts Cont.

Along with theater, the Greeks also prided themselves on their art and literature.

Greek sculptors crafted what are still considered some of the most perfect statues ever created.

The Greeks believed the human form was the most beautiful and perfect creation in nature.

Greek artists also expressed themselves through architecture.

Greek Art

Greek Literature

The Greeks wrote lyrical poetry, tragedy, comedy, and long Epic poetry.

Homer was one of the greatest and best recorded writers of Ancient Greece.

Homer is credited with the writing of both the Odyssey and the Iliad.

The Iliad

The Iliad consists of 15,700 lines (more than 5 times as many as Beowulf) and follows the Greek army through part of the Trojan war.

The Iliad mostly follows the story of Achilles, a Greek warrior blessed by the Gods.

The Iliad is written in the form of an Epic poem, and is dated around the 8th century B.C.

Epic Poetry

Epic poems contain 9 essential story elements. They begin in medias res The setting is vast and spans many nations The story begins with an invocation (calling) to a

muse. It begins with a statement of a theme It uses many epithets (repetitious phrasing) It includes long lists It features long, formal speeches It shows divine intervention in mortal affairs The principal “hero” embodies the values of his

society

The Iliad Cont.

The Iliad was originally told and retold orally by bards and travelling story tellers.

It begins near the end of the Trojan war. The Iliad contains several major themes

including Glory Wrath Returning to home Fate/Destiny

Major Characters of the Iliad

Achilles: The strongest warrior and hero of the Greek army.

Agamemnon: The King of the Greeks Menelaus: Agamemnon’s brother Hector: The Prince of Troy & champion of the

Trojans Priam: Hector’s father, King of Troy Paris: Prince of Troy, Hector’s younger brother Helen: Menelaus’ wife Patroclus: Achilles cousin/closest companion Odysseus and Ajax: Generals of the Greek army The Gods: Most notably Apollo (Trojans) and Athena

(Greeks)