Introduction

Introduction 2023-11-10, 1U:4G
Introduction
Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod
Bronze Age Greece
Island of Crete was one of the earliest centers of civilization in the
Mediterranean Minoan civilization on Crete lasted from roughly 3G00 to 1000 BC
Bronze Age civilization on mainland Greece developed later and lasted from about
1580 to 1120 BC
Physical remains of these civilizations were largely unknown to later Greeks
Thucydides, a Greek historian, found it impossible to acquire precise knowledge
of the distant past
Minoan Civilization
Sir Arthur Evans excavated the site of Cnossus and uncovered substantial remains
of a great palace
Several large palaces have been excavated, suggesting development in Crete was
largely peaceable
The largest palace at Cnossus dates to 1700 BC and covers a huge area with
complex buildings
Evans called the civilization Minoan, named after the mythical king Minos
Bull motif is prominent in Minoan art and frescoes, depicting bull-jumping and the
Minotaur
Mycenaean Civilization
Mycenaean civilization is centered upon royal palaces on the Greek
mainland Mycenae is the most powerful center, mentioned in Homer's Iliad
Heinrich Schliemann excavated the site and believed he found the tombs of
Agamemnon's family
Later scholars rejected his conclusion, but the graves are still associated with
Mycenae
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Schliemann's names for his finds in the Trojan War are still used today
Mycenaean culture lasted over four centuries in different centers like Pylos and
Tiryns
The palace at Pylos, known as the Palace of Nestor, is impressive and comparable
to the excavations at Cnossus
Mycenae has the finest example of early monumental architecture
The Treasury of Atreus and the Tomb of Clytemnestra are notable
structures The tombs have the shape of a beehive and were self-supporting
Mycenae had a megaron, or great hall, on the acropolis
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The Lion Gate of Mycenae is the entrance to the palace and dates from
1250 The fortification walls of Mycenae were thick and high
Mycenaean culture was more warrior-based than Minoan culture
Mycenaean pottery is found throughout the Mediterranean, indicating their trading
and sailing abilities
Linear B tablets indicate a highly organized administrative system
Schliemann found treasures in the royal graves at Mycenae, including gold face
masks
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Mycenaean artwork was sophisticated in craftsmanship and design
Mycenaeans had commercial relations with the east and the north, importing ivory
and amber
The presence of Minoan-inspired artifacts suggests a cultural connection between
Crete and the Greek mainland
Mycenaean civilization was at its most powerful and advanced after the
destruction of Cnossus
Schliemann's excavations at Mycenae followed his excavations at Hissarlik,
believed to be the site of Troy
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The collapse of Mycenaean civilization marked the beginning of the Dark
Age The great palaces were destroyed and settlements became smaller
The use of Linear B was lost and there was a decline in art and
craftsmanship The reasons for the collapse are debated, including Dorians
invading from the
north and natural catastrophes
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Life in Dark Age Greece was generally impoverished
Excavations at Lefkandi revealed a prosperous settlement with contact with the
outside world
The remains of a large building dating from about U50 were found, along with
burial customs similar to those in Homer's Iliad
The connection between the Homeric poems and pre-historic Greece is debated
Mycenaean survivals can be found in the Homeric poems, but there are also
differences in practices and customs
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Differences between burial practices in Homer and Mycenaean culture
Mycenaean culture buried their dead, while in Homer the dead are
cremated Use of tactics in Iliad 13, 131-135 suggests a date as late as 750,
possibly when
Homer lived
Depiction of scenes of ordinary life in similes and on the shield of Achilles may be
from Homer's own day, drawing parallels between the past and present
Homeric poems believed to have originated from Ionia and preserved the memory
of the Mycenaean culture
Language of Homer is a fusion of elements from various dialects, including Ionic,
Aeolic, and Arcadian
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Homeric poems believed to have been composed long after the aristocratic culture
of the heroes had passed away, possibly in the early or mid-eighth century
Greek alphabet created around the same time, allowing for the art of writing
No consensus on the extent to which writing was involved in the composition and
transmission of the poems
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Traditional epithets like 'cloud-gathering' Zeus and 'ox-eyed' Hera are examples of
the oldest linguistic elements in the poems
Formulaic composition employed in the poems, with repeated phrases and actions,
aided improvisation in a pre-literate world

Language of the Homeric poems evolved over many centuries and its formulaic
diction goes back to the Mycenaean age
No consistent tradition about the poet Homer in later Greek literature
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Homer had a special status in the Greek world, with a guild called the Homeridae
claiming to be his descendants
Professional reciters of Homer's poems called rhapsodes were widespread
Homer's poetry was a central part of Athenian education and had a formative
influence on later culture
The Iliad:
Heroic aristocratic virtues proven on the battlefield
Homeric hero consciously endeavors to excel, regardless of Greek or Trojan
identity Famous expression of the heroic impulse in the speech of the Trojan ally
Sarpedon
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Sarpedon asks Glaucus why they are singled out for honors at the feast
They have special seats and the best food and drink among the Lycians
The Lycians look upon them as gods
They have the best land with orchards and wheatfields
Their social position obliges them to lead the Lycians in fighting
Their followers will acknowledge that they earn their privileges by virtue of
their great prowess on the battlefield
Sarpedon says that if they could avoid old age and death, he would not urge
Glaucus to join the fight
The Homeric adjective 'bringing glory' fits the context well
They cannot escape death, so they should join the fight and either gain
honor for themselves or give it to others
The heroic resolve is the conscious choice to risk a glorious death rather
than forgo glory for the sake of holding on to an insignificant life
Homer uses the word 'charma' to express the emotion that the heroes feel
as they enter the fray
Hector entering the battle is likened to a stallion who has broken loose
and is galloping off joyfully to his favorite pasture confident in his own
splendor
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Achilles is the supreme embodiment of the hero
He excels others in the fight due to his superior physical prowess
He made the choice to be at Troy for eternal fame instead of a long and
undistinguished life
Thetis, his goddess mother, told him he could choose between the two
destinies
Thetis later tells us that Zeus allowed her to produce a child who would
excel all heroes
The main subject of Homer's Iliad is the anger of Achilles that brings ruin in its
train The chain of events following the quarrel with Agamemnon threatens
Achilles'
heroic aspirations
Apollo is angry because Agamemnon will not restore for ransom the daughter of
one of his priests
Apollo sends a plague to infest the Greek camp
Agamemnon reluctantly agrees to give up his prize but haughtily vows to make up
his loss by depriving Achilles of his slave girl Briseis
Achilles angrily withdraws from the fighting, seeing Agamemnon's behavior as
hybris
Achilles asks his goddess mother to persuade Zeus to grant the Trojans
success Zeus agrees and the Trojans advance from the city to the
camp upon the
plain
The Greeks petition Achilles to return, but he remains obdurate due to the insult
to his honor
Achilles has an absolute sense of his own worth and the honor due to him because
of it
Any diminution of this honor diminishes the whole man and renders his
choice of life null and void
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Achilles' purity of motive leads to ruin for himself and others
Achilles is untreatable while doctors treat wounded Greek leaders
Achilles allows Patroclus to fight in his place, showing recognition of his
error Achilles is concerned with his honor and the honor of Patroclus
Achilles wishes for both him and Patroclus to survive and take Troy
together Achilles recognizes his own error and folly after the death of Patroclus
Achilles regrets his special destiny as the son of a goddess

Achilles acknowledges the insidious effects of anger on the mind
Achilles resolves to seek glory and the death of Hector
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Achilles' desire for revenge taints his purity of motive
Achilles captures twelve young Trojans to sacrifice on the pyre of
Patroclus Achilles refuses mercy to the suppliant Lycaon
Achilles challenges the river god and displays arrogance
The moral tone of the poem darkens with images of corpses exposed to dogs and
carrion birds
Achilles rejects Hector's proposal for a compact and shows cruelty in his words
Achilles drags Hector's body around the funeral mound of Patroclus
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Achilles is offensive to the gods with his behavior
Achilles is restored to humanity in his meeting with Priam
Priam pleads with Achilles, reminding him of his own aged
father Achilles shows true magnanimity in his treatment of
Priam
Achilles recognizes the inevitability of human suffering and accepts it
Achilles sees life steadily and accepts the practical acceptance of continuing life
Unity of design
Homer concentrates on the anger of Achilles as the main action of the Iliad
Homer does not waste time on unessential aspects of Achilles' life and character
Homer begins in the middle of things and introduces episodes from other parts
of
the story for variety
Page 21: Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

Homer's Iliad has a clear and well-made plot, following a chain of cause and effect.
The plot is concentrated within a few days but skillfully interweaves the
whole Trojan story.
The main action is part of a larger design involving the whole Trojan War.
Homer's poetry imposes form and order on the chaos of life, allowing us to see the
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universal truths.
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The Odyssey is complex and revolves around the character of Odysseus.

Odysseus is characterized as a man of many ways, much contrivance, and
much suffering.
The Odyssey starts when Odysseus is near the end of his journey, after being a
prisoner of Calypso.
The main part of the Odyssey is narrated as an after-dinner speech to the
Phaeacians.
The second half of the poem focuses on the situation in Ithaca and Odysseus's
efforts to regain control of his household.
Page 22: The Odyssey (continued)

The poem starts with the disorder in Ithaca in Odysseus' absence.
Telemachus, Odysseus' son, attempts to eject the suitors but faces danger.
Penelope is in a delicate position, torn between remaining loyal to Odysseus
and the pressure from Telemachus.
The suitors' actions are a gross breach of Homeric manners, and their plot to kill
Telemachus crosses the line into wickedness.
The moral outline of the poem is the triumph of right over wrong.
Odysseus is instructed to be released by Calypso and is shipwrecked on the
island of the Phaeacians.
Page 23: Map of Odysseus' Journey

The map shows the possible route of Odysseus' journey.
It includes various locations such as Troy, Delphi, Sparta, Pylos, Ithaca, Sicily, and
Egypt.
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The setting is idealized and romantic, serving as the backdrop for Odysseus's
account of his adventures.
Odysseus is courteously received by the Phaeacians and tells them the story of his
past wanderings from Troy.
Odysseus declares his identity and reputation for stratagems.
His adventures reveal his wily and versatile nature, as well as his good
sense. The Phaeacians honor him with gifts and transport him to Ithaca.
Odysseus wakes up on the shore of Ithaca and fails to recognize his home.
Athena appears disguised as a shepherd and Odysseus invents a Cretan tale to
keep his identity secret.

Odysseus's tale showcases his inventiveness, caution, and craft, impressing
Athena.
Athena initiates a plan for Odysseus to disguise himself as a beggar and gather
information in Ithaca.
Odysseus visits his faithful steward Eumaeus and encounters Telemachus.
Odysseus reveals himself to Telemachus and they plot the downfall of the suitors.
Odysseus witnesses the insulting behavior of the suitors and sees the suffering of
his household, particularly his loyal wife Penelope.
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Penelope welcomes the stranger (Odysseus) and questions him about Odysseus.
Penelope shares her pressures to remarry and Odysseus silently grieves for her.
Penelope decides to arrange a contest with Odysseus's bow to choose a suitor.
Odysseus asks for the chance to try himself and Telemachus grants him the
bow. Odysseus starts killing the suitors.
Penelope tests Odysseus and eventually suspends her disbelief.
Penelope compares her position to that of Helen, highlighting her prudence.
The scene shifts to the underworld, where the shades of the suitors tell their
miserable end to Achilles and Agamemnon.
Agamemnon praises Penelope's virtue and the peace endorsed by the gods.
The Odyssey ends with a happy ending, celebrating the natural bonds of human
life.
Conclusion:
Homer rewards the wise restraint of his
characters. Odysseus exhibits restraint in his
poems' artistry.
The Odyssey promotes the maxims of "Know Thyself" and "Nothing in Excess."
Homeric Ideals: Civilized Social Living

Homeric civilization is portrayed as an idealized version of civilized living
The Phaeacians, a rich land of seafaring inhabitants, represent this ideal
civilization They know of war only through songs and prioritize peace
They contrast with the Cyclopes, who live in caves, do not practice
agriculture, and have no respect for customs or laws
The Phaeacians show respect for Odysseus as a suppliant, welcoming him without
knowing his identity

The highest standards of Homeric civilization are seen in the generous
treatment of visitors, delicate manners in the royal household, and exquisite
manners of Odysseus towards Nausicaa
These standards are also reflected in the treatment of Telemachus as a guest and
the compassion shown to Odysseus in disguise by Eumaeus, Telemachus, and
Penelope
The suitors, in contrast, lack restraint and respect for hospitality and decency
Scherie: A World of Greek Ideals

Scherie represents a world that embodies Greek ideals
It is described as a beautiful garden with a magnificent palace, reminiscent of
Mycenaean culture
The setting evokes a sense of order, harmony, and proportion, valuing both the
physical and artistic aspects
Odysseus is endowed with beauty by Athena, reflecting the Greek ideal
The sea-shore where Odysseus sits radiates comeliness and grace
Homeric Ideals: Poetry and Art

The feast and the song are praised as a Homeric ideal by Odysseus
Bards, such as Demodocus and Phemius, hold a special place in Homeric culture
In the ideal society of the Phaeacians, the blind bard Demodocus is honored
In Ithaca, Phemius sings at the banquet of the suitors out of necessity
Phemius, also known as Terpiades, pleads for mercy from Odysseus, emphasizing
his role as a minstrel who sings for gods and men
Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

The transcript does not mention Hesiod or provide any information about him.
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In Homeric society, the roles of poet and priest are distinct.
Poets like Phemius and Demodocus are the custodians of Homeric culture.
They transmit the ideals and values of Homeric culture from generation to
generation.
Homeric society conducts practices such as sacrifices and funerals themselves,
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rather than relying on priests.

The Hellenic spirit, as depicted in Homer, is different from the Hebraic spirit
recorded in the Bible and the Egyptian society.
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Homer's art celebrates the vibrancy of the human spirit in the present.
The Homeric bard is not just a conduit for culture, but a creative agent who
transforms the world into art.
Hephaestus, the divine artificer, forges the shield of Achilles in the Iliad,
recreating the whole Homeric world on it.
Homer's art is not focused on accurate representation, but on lively representation.
The shield depicts two cities, one at peace and one in a state of siege, as well as
various agricultural scenes and a dance.
The scenes on the shield are realistic and not idealized.
The craftsmanship of the god is evident in the details and materials used in the
shield.
The final picture on the shield is a dance that celebrates youth, movement, and
the power of art.
The dance is organized and has an underlying pattern, symbolized by the image of
the potter's wheel.
The presence of the bard and his music adds to the celebration of physical energy
and the essence of Homeric art.
Page 30: The Greek Love of Beauty and

Homer's Style
The Athenians embraced the spirit of Homer more than other Greeks
The Greek love of beauty is expressed in reactions to Helen, Achilles, and the
anthropomorphic gods
Pheidias was inspired by Homer's description of Zeus for his statue of Zeus at
Olympia
Homer's use of language and style reflects his feeling for beauty
Supporting details:
Athenians are associated with the cultured and cultivated
Athenian leader Pericles described Athenians as lovers of beauty and wisdom
Old men of Troy admire Helen's beauty and compare her to an immortal goddess
Priam is amazed by Achilles' stature and beauty

Recurring epithets like "golden Aphrodite" imply the perfect beauty of the gods
Ganymede, the most beautiful youth, was stolen by the gods to be Zeus'
cup-
bearer
Pheidias was inspired by Homer's description of Zeus for his statue of Zeus at
Olympia
Description of Hermes in Homer matches his representation in later
statues Homer's verse is characterized by graceful beauty and metrical
harmony
Dionysius of Halicarnassus praises Homer's ability to make enchanting poetry out
of simple incidents of everyday life
Page 31: Homer's Style and Translations

The beauty of Homer's poetry comes from the metrical order of its
composition Translators struggle to convey the poetic effect of Homer's Greek
in plain and
simple descriptions
Homer's style is varied and translators have reached poetic heights in passages of
pathos and grandeur
Supporting details:
Telemachus arrives at Odysseus and the swineherd's hut, greeted by friendly dogs
The prose version of the scene lacks the beauty of the poetry
Homer's stylistic range is as varied as his subject matter
The treatise "On the Sublime" cites Homer's passages to illustrate Homeric
grandeur
The true sublime is any literary passage that elevates the reader and takes
them out of themselves
The moment when Hector takes his farewell of Andromache is a passage of great
pathos and grandeur
The small child's fear of Hector's helmet adds a human touch to the
scene Homer's style is unaffected and without ornamental excess
The beauty of Homer's style comes from the harmony between content and form
Page 32: Hesiod

Hesiod's poetic voice is different from Homer's
Hesiod writes in the hexameter and uses formulae in the Homeric manner
His Theogony transmits early stories of the gods and supplements Homer's myth
Hesiod includes personal details about his life and circumstances in his Works and
Days
Works and Days focuses on agricultural success and the identification of propitious
days
Supporting details:
Hesiod is from the village of Ascra in Boeotia
Hesiod's Theogony tells early stories of the gods
Hesiod includes personal details about his life and circumstances in Works and
Days
Works and Days focuses on agricultural success and the identification of propitious
days
Page 33: Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

Main Ideas:
Hesiod's account of the degeneration of the ages from the golden to the iron
age The generation before the present iron age includes the godlike
heroes,
some of whom died in the expedition to Troy for Helen's
sake The age of heroes is past
The overall mood and tone of the poem is represented in George Chapman's
couplet version
Describes the miserable plight of men in the present iron age
Justice and Shame will fly up to the gods' immortal family, leaving griefs
to men
Salvation is found in hard work and toil, rewarded by the justice of Zeus
Hesiod's instructions are addressed to farmers who can afford to have a slave or
hire a worker
Perses, to whom the instructions are addressed, owns land and has more than one
slave, representing a moderately well-to-do peasant farmer
Hesiod's voice is from lower down the scale compared to Homer and distrusts
kings who often offer crooked judgements
Supporting Details:
Hesiod's account of the degeneration of the ages:
The golden age, silver age, bronze age, and the present iron age
The generation before the iron age includes the godlike heroes who died in
the expedition to Troy for Helen's sake
George Chapman's couplet version:
Describes the miserable plight of men in the present iron age

Justice and Shame will fly up to the gods' immortal family, leaving griefs
to men
Salvation through hard work and toil:
Zeus's justice can reward hard work and toil
Hesiod's instructions are for farmers who can afford to have a slave or hire a
worker:
Perses, to whom the instructions are addressed, owns land and has more
than one slave
Hesiod's voice is from lower down the scale compared to Homer:
Distrusts kings who often offer crooked judgements

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Introduction 2023-11-10, 1U:4G

north and natural catastrophes

aided improvisation in a pre-literate world

Achilles regrets his special destiny as the son of a goddess

Page 21: Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

The Odyssey is complex and revolves around the character of Odysseus.

Page 22: The Odyssey (continued)

Page 23: Map of Odysseus' Journey

keep his identity secret.

Homeric Ideals: Civilized Social Living

knowing his identity

Scherie: A World of Greek Ideals

Homeric Ideals: Poetry and Art

Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

rather than relying on priests.

Page 30: The Greek Love of Beauty and

Priam is amazed by Achilles' stature and beauty

Page 31: Homer's Style and Translations

Page 32: Hesiod

Page 33: Early Greece: Homer and Hesiod

George Chapman's couplet version:

Describes the miserable plight of men in the present iron age

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