Introduction to Classical Studies: Key Concepts and Themes

Classical Studies

Study of ancient Mediterranean cultures, primarily Greece and Rome.

Ancient Mediterranean World

Region encompassing diverse cultures from 1600 BCE to 476 CE.

c. (circa)

Latin term meaning 'around' or 'approximately'.

BCE

Before Common Era, counting down to year 0.

CE

Common Era, counting up from year 0.

5th c. BCE

Period from 499 to 400 BCE.

5th c. CE

Period from 400 to 499 CE.

Late Bronze Age

Period from c. 1600 to 1100 BCE in Greece.

Dark Ages

Period from c. 1100 to 750 BCE with limited records.

Archaic Period

Period from c. 750 to 480 BCE characterized by cultural development.

Classical Period

Period from 480 to 323 BCE known for art and philosophy.

Hellenistic Period

Period from 323 to 31 BCE marked by Greek cultural influence.

Roman Kings

Period from 753 to 509 BCE before the Republic.

Roman Republic

Period from 509 to 31 BCE with elected officials.

Roman Empire

Period from 31 BCE to 476 CE with imperial rule.

Classis

Latin noun meaning 'fleet' or 'army', indicating a group.

Classicus

Latin adjective meaning 'belonging to the best group'.

Evidence Problem

Limited ancient texts survive, less than 1% original.

Ancient Papyri

Fragile manuscripts from ancient times, few in number.

Mycenaean Greece

Dominant culture in Greece from c. 1600 to 1200 BCE.

Ahhiyawa

Hittite name for Mycenaeans, resembling later Greeks' Achaeans.

Peloponnese

Mainland Greece, literally 'island of Pelops'.

Cyclades

Aegean islands, literally 'encircling ones'.

Chariot Technology

Advanced warfare technology used by Mycenaean warriors.

Tholos Tombs

Grand burial structures reflecting Mycenaean wealth.

Literate Archivists

Mycenaeans used written language for record-keeping.

Linear B

Early Greek script translated by WWII analysts.

Tukate

Early Greek word for 'daughter'.

Kowo

Early Greek term for 'boy'.

Lawagetas

Term for 'populace' in Linear B.

Wanak(a)

Linear B term for 'lord' or main ruler.

Qasireu

Term for 'king' or chief in Linear B.

Megaron

Massive palace center overseen by wanax.

Place economies

Economic systems in 14th-13th centuries.

Redistributive economy

Economic model redistributing resources among populace.

The Dark Ages

Period of cultural decline post-Mycenaean collapse.

Iron Ages

Another name for the Dark Ages.

Mass depopulations

Widespread population decline during the Dark Ages.

Subsistence model

Economy focused on basic survival needs.

Basileis

Local chiefs overseeing small communities.

Nomoi

Traditional customs governing local societies.

Thetes

Paid serfs without land in society.

Epic poetry

Oral tradition preserving memories of the past.

Hesiod and Homer

Key figures in early Greek epic poetry.

Agonistic context

Competitive environment for oral storytelling.

Aoidoi

Professional bards performing epic poetry.

Opis(s)o

Greek term meaning 'backwards' or 'afterwards'.

Cultural idealization

Exaggeration of past glories in literature.

Lefkandi

Site with significant archaeological findings from the era.

Nichoria

Community with notable mud huts and chief's house.

Rhapsodes

Improvisational performers of epic poetry.

Cithara

A type of lyre used in epic performances.

Rhabdos

Time-keeping stick for rhythm in poetry.

Dactylic Hexameter

Poetic meter of long-short-short syllables.

Spondee

Two long syllables at the line's end.

Enjambment

Continuation of a sentence without pause.

Epic Similes

Extended comparisons in epic poetry.

Programmatic Proems

Introductory passages invoking the Muses.

Catalogues

Lists showcasing memory and knowledge.

Didactic Poetry

Poetry intended to teach moral lessons.

Hesiod

Ancient Greek poet from Boeotia, 8th c. BCE.

Theogony

Hesiod's poem on the origins of the universe.

Works and Days

Hesiod's practical guide to living well.

Eris

Concept of discord in Hesiod's works.

Productive Discord

Strife leading to action and justice.

Destructive Discord

Strife causing resentment and passivity.

Prometheus

Titan who stole fire for humanity.

Pandora

First woman, bringing evils to humanity.

Aetiological Myth

Myth explaining the origin of a phenomenon.

Kleros

Inherited land in ancient Greek society.

Lofty Diction

Elevated language used in epic poetry.

Mythological Narratives

Stories based on traditional myths.

Proto-Capitalist Ethos

Early ideas promoting competition and striving.

Pandora

Embodiment of all gods' gifts.

Hephaestus

God who shapes earth and water.

Athena

Goddess of wisdom and cunning.

Aphrodite

Goddess of love and beauty.

Hermes

God of deceit and trickery.

Epimetheus

Prometheus' brother, symbolizes afterthought.

Elpis

Personification of hope and expectation.

Golden Age

Era of peace, abundance, and no labor.

Silver Age

Short-lived, foolish generation destroyed by Zeus.

Bronze Age

Warrior society with no agriculture.

Heroic Age

Era of demi-gods and great wars.

Iron Age

Time of trouble, pain, and moral decay.

Zelos

Personification of jealousy and envy.

Aidos

Social force regulating normative behaviors.

Nemesis

Divine retribution for hubris.

The Hawk and the Nightingale

Fable illustrating justice and power dynamics.

Daimones

Spirits of the Golden Age.

Makares

Blessed beings of the Silver Age.

Hemitheoi

Demi-gods of the Heroic Age.

Pantheon

Collective of all Greek gods.

Olympians

Twelve principal gods of Greek mythology.

Hesiod

Poet who described the ages of man.

Polytheism

Belief in many gods coexisting.

Henotheism

Worship of one god among many.

Panhellenism

Cultural unity among Greek city-states.

Anthropomorphic

Gods depicted with human traits.

Hybris

Excessive pride leading to downfall.