The Early Greek World

Geography

The Iliad

The Iliad Recitation at festivals Laws of universe – moral laws Human nature, delight in the world Men must die, but create glory Tragedy: result / outcome of character gods as innate aspects of the characters

The Odyssey Odysseus: “man of twists and turns” Sea-faring Ionian world Ethical universe Chance is balanced by order: cause and effect Aristocratic values

Greek Cultural Values Areté /Aristei / Ethos Art as education: Homer has psychagogia: power of moving the soul His archetypes provide paradeigma: examples for imitation Listeners should aspire to his ideals Achilles: megalopsychos: high minded man

Greek Cultural Values Areté: magnificence: Physical / intellectual / moral prowess and virtue Bravery / Valor Intellectual ability Basis of natural leadership Requires respect and honor Basis of a man’s value Justifiable self-love Aristei : victory as proof of arête Ethos: aristocratic refined interactions Até: passion – beyond which education can only do so much

Hesiod: Works and Days Virtue of labor: “Work is no shame / Idleness is a shame”. Myths as predictors of social problems (Prometheus / Pandora)‏ Ideal of Justice Attacks “gift-eating” nobles Attacks idea that might is right Arete of common man

Emergence of the Polis (750 - 650)‏ “Acropolis” – fortified hilltop Agora – market / public gathering / assembly place / religious center Leisure: talking! Polis ; also means ‘the people as a whole’ Rule of law Rulers: responsibility to people Citizens: duties All classes necessary / interrelated

Structure of Athenian Polis Assembly (“Ecclesia” in Athens)‏ Council or steering committee Courts (“Areopagos” in Athens)‏ Kings: religious rites Polemarch: general Archon: civil head Judges Citizens are equal, except women and slaves All citizens participate in public activity

Athens Crisis of 7th century: Trade declines Rich oppress poor: Clans not controlled by state Poor farmers pay 1/6 of produce to creditors Landless men sold into slavery

Solon the Idealist Abolishes 1/6 agricultural debt payments Rescues slaves sold abroad Forbade debt slavery Aristocrats and cavalry: can hold major offices Infantrymen and laborers: speak and vote in Assembly and courts (and audit and inspect officials)‏ Est. Council of 400 Codification of Laws

Tyranny of the Psistratids (546-510)‏ Coup d’etat State machinery to help the poor Ambitious aristocrats into exile (Alcomeonid family)‏ Public festivals Sets higher prices for peasants’ produce – so they can pay more taxes Increases trade Coins “owls by 525

Demokratia: Cleisthenes takes power (508)‏ 170 demes (regional) – organized into 10 new tribes (of demes located in three different areas ) Organize people on public, not social or local basis Assembly – center of government Council of 500 expands steering committee: prepare business for Assembly, execute laws Areopagus continues, and Archons

Credits 1.Map www.greeka.com/greece-maps/ancient- greece-map.jpg 2. Achilles and Ajax www.usu.edu/markdamen/1320Hist&Civ/slides/ 03epic/achillesajax.jpg 3. Odysseus and Polyphemus 4. Oedipus and Sphinx