The Culture of Ancient Greece 5.1

Greek Mythology 12 most important gods lived on Mt Olympus Greeks used the myths explain the harshness of the world Greeks believed in prophecy. Oracles were used to predict the future Most famous oracle was at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Greek Poetry and Fables The Iliad and Odyssey were written by Homer. Iliad is about a battle for the city of Troy Odyssey is about a Greek hero named Odysseus Aesop wrote many fables. These are short stories that teach a lesson.

Greek Drama Drama is a story told by actors who pretend to be characters in the story. Tragedy Comedy Famous writers Aeschylus – wrote Oresteia – teaches that evil acts cause more evil and suffering Sophocles wrote – Oedipus and Antigone Euripides wrote about real-life people instead of Gods Aristophanes wrote comedies that made fun of politicians and scholars

Greek Art and Architecture Believed in ideas of reason, balance, harmony and moderation – looked for perfection Sculptures reflected these ideas Most important architecture in Greece was the temple. Most famous was/ is the Parthenon Greek columns