Transcript The Classical Age of Greece

The Classical Age of Greece
800 B.C. – A.D. 200
Basic Background
• Together, the cultural achievements of ancient Greece
and those of ancient Rome form the cornerstone of
Western civilization.
• 5 categories of people – aristocrats, common folk,
slaves, warriors, and artists & writers.
• Women in Athens were not treated equally and were
the equivalent of slaves, while women of Sparta were
offered equality in physical training, participation in
athletics, business, and land ownership.
Culture
• The unique way of life in ancient Greece
encouraged creativity and excellence in all pursuits.
• From fierce athletic competitions to boldly
ambitious education programs, the Greeks aimed
for the best in all things.
• In this atmosphere, literature flourished.
The Alphabet
• The alphabet we have today is the
Roman version of the Greek alphabet,
which the Greeks developed from the
Phoenician alphabet.
• Previous writing systems were
complicated and difficult to use,
requiring years of training. The
simplicity of using letters to represent
all the sounds in the Greek language
made widespread literacy a possibility
for the first time in history.
Arts & Humanities
• The ancient Greeks combined idealism (quest for
perfection) and realism (realistic depictions) to
create works of great beauty. Even today, the
influence of Greek architects, sculptors, and
writers can be felt, from the design of many of our
public buildings to the staging of the latest
drama.
Literature
• Greek literature begins with the epics the Iliad
and the Odyssey, believed to have been
composed by Homer, the blind poet. The Trojan
War, which took place around 1250 B.C. serves
as the backdrop for these two epic poems, whose
oral versions existed much earlier than the
written form.
• During the 600s B.C. the lyric poem became
popular. This type of poetry is shorter and more
personal than the epic. The lyric allowed poets
to express their thoughts and feelings.
Drama
• During the 400s B.C., drama became the most
important literary form.
• The Greeks created the form of tragedy – a
serious drama about the downfall of a tragic
hero – and comedy.
• The 3 greatest dramatists were Aeschylus,
Sophocles, and Euripides.
• The comedies of Aristophanes often poked fun
at customs, politics, and respected Athenians.
More on Greek Drama
• Originated at the springtime religious festivals in
Athens to honor Dionysus, the god of wine and
fertility.
• Chorus of masked dancers sang to this god.
• Thespis, a Greek poet, introduced the first actor on
stage. (What dramatic term comes from his name?)
THESPIAN
• Plays continued on the religious purpose for some
time, but eventually turned more towards
entertainment.
• Writers began competing for prizes by staging plays at
the Dionysus festivals. Today, only 35 of these plays
have survived.
• With the addition of more actors, came the use of
dialogue and more complex plot lines and intrigue.
• Most plays were based on familiar legends and myths.
The audience knew the story behind the play, but the
characters did not (dramatic irony).
• Overall, Greek drama served as a way to ponder life’s
mysteries, celebrate its glory, and come to terms with
its suffering.
The Legacy of Language
• Many of the words we use today have Greek
origins. Can you guess the meaning of the
root of these commonly used words?
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Root – astra = astronaut, asterisk, astronomy
Root – biblio = bibliography, Bible
Root – log = dialogue, monologue, eulogy
Root – polis = police, political, metropolis
Answers:
Astra = STAR
Biblio = BOOK
Log = WORD
Polis = CITY, STATE
Sophocles, author of Oedipus the King
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Lived 496? – 406 B.C. (How old was he?)
In youth, skillful wrestler, dancer, musician
Military leader, ambassador, public treasurer
Helped establish first Athenian public hospital
Highly regarded.
Sophocles the Writer
• Wrote over 120 plays – only 7 have survived intact.
• Won the Dionysian drama festival 18 times – more
than any other writer of his time.
• Enlarged the chorus from 12 to 15 members,
introduced painted scenery, and added a 3rd speaking
actor.
• His plays are known for their powerful language,
superb artistry, and unforgettable characters.