Ancient Greece
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Transcript of Ancient Greece
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)