myth and the city - myth and religion

why do you think there is more than one foundation myth for greece

the first myth is about the founding and naming of the city, and the second is about theseus, the king who untied the region of attica under athenian rule

why do you think there is more than one foundation myth for rome

by uniting the latin and trojan people, aeneas created a new race which the romans would descend from (legend of romulus and remus) descendants of aeneas, tells us the story of rome’s founding

how was athens named

cecrops came to a city in attica and began to build a city which amazed the gods in olympus. when it was finished, all of the gods were seeking patronage of the city. as only one name could be used, the gods met and soon the decision was between athena and poisedon

why would athens want to have their story as a foundation myth

gods fighting over it show how loved it is, shows the skills of patron goddess athena, explains how it got its name directly from a olympian goddess

what did athena’s acropolis commemorate

sites of poisedon’s well, athena’s olive tree abd the graves of legendary kings cecrops and erechtheus

how is the acropolis a place of worship

home to several temples dedicated to the gods, religious festivals, rituals and processions were held on the acropolis reinforcing its sacred role

how was the acropolis a source of civic pride

• a visual representation of athenian power, wealth and cultural achievement through its monumental architecture

• a symbol of democracy and athenian identity, served as a fortress and treasury, housing the delian league’s funds and reinforcing athens political dominance

why is heracles at olympia significant as a local hero

• credited with founding the olympic games and establishing the sacred site of olympia

• his connection to olympia made him a unifying figure for the entire greek world

• embodied strength and stamina. his labours were often depicted in art and literature, reinforcing his status as a model for athletes and warriors

why is theseus at athens significant as a local hero

• celebrated as the unifier of attica, laying the foundation for athens rise a major city-state

• associated with democratic ideals and the rule of law. he was credited with vountarily giving up absolute power for a more egalitarian system, resonating with athenian democratic values

• hero of athens and subject of local myths, such as victory over the minotaur. gained so much prominence that he became the embodiment of athens and role-model to emulate

who was livy

• born in prauda, italy

• wrote the early history of rome, detailing the history of rome from aeneas to romulus

• lived through a turbulent and important period of history: the fall of the republic and start of the imperial under emperor augustus

according to livy, why do so many authors want to write a history of rome

many believe the information the will present is more accurate or that their writing will be of better quality than ancient authors. livy wants to commemorate the deed of the romans who are, in his opinion, the greatest and most powerful on earth

why do you think it means to be ‘burdened by one’s own greatness’

livy means that rome became so great and so powerful that it is now collapsing under its own weight

why is livy looking forward to writing about the early history of rome

livy looks forward to writing about early rome because it allows him to turn away from the political and moral troubles of his present day and find comfort and inspiration in the city’s ancient virtues

what does livy think about authors presenting mythology as history

livy acknowledges that mythological stories are more suited to poetry than to the ‘uncorrupted records of the historian’. he grants leeway to ancient authors, recognising they often blended human and divine elements to elevate the origins of cities and nations

which stories of ariadne do you find most believable

the first and third (pregnancy or infidelity) as they are more realistic. there is no divine intervention like there is in the second version. the second version (marriage) is a better fit for a myth, with divine intervention and elevation of ariadne above mere mortal status

which story of ariadne would athenians rather believe

the second (marriage to dionysus) as theseus was revered in athens and this paints him in a more positive light, suggests ariadne’s fate is not a tragedy but a blessing, as she becomes the bride of a god

what does livy want his audience to think about while reading his work

• life and customs

• men and policies that established the empire and made it grow

what impression do you get of rome at livy’s time

• a slow erosion of values leading to an irreversible downfall

• trapped in a paradox - they can no longer tolerate their own vices, yet they also reject remedies needed to address them

• tone suggests a longing for romes earlier virtues, implying rome has lost its way, struggling with corruption and complacency

why does livy think it is important to study history

• imitate what is virtuous

• avoid what is shameful

what makes rome a great example for historians to study

• claims no other state was greater, more virtuous, or richer

• rome resisted greed and decadence making its early history a model of frugality, discipline and civic virtue

• the later rise of avarice and luxury serves as as warning, showing wealth and excess can lead to personal and collective ruin

how does livy present rome as a great example for historians to study

idealises early rome as a beacon of virtue - frugal, disciplined and devoted to the public good and in contrast he portrays contemporary rome as morally decayed, plagued by avarice, luxury and self restraint