Ancient Greek- All Lectures

What types of locations did early Greek communities settle in during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods?

Caves — e.g., Franchthi Cave and Plakias, with evidence of stone tools and hunter-gatherer life.

What major shift defines the Neolithic period in Greece (7000–3000 BCE)?

Transition from food collection to food production — agriculture, domestication, and ceramic technology.

What is the “Mediterranean triad” of Neolithic agriculture?

Grains (wheat, barley), olives (oil), and grapes (wine).

What types of animals were domesticated in Neolithic Greece?

Sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, dogs, and cats.

What are the three major Bronze Age cultures in early Greece?

• Cycladic (3000–2100 BCE)

• Minoan (2100–1400 BCE)

• Mycenaean (1600–1150 BCE)

What are the three major “revolutions” of the Bronze Age?

• Agriculture

• Metallurgy (bronze tools and weapons)

• Writing (e.g., Linear A and B)

What distinguishes Minoan culture from Mycenaean culture?

Minoans were centered on Crete with palace complexes and maritime trade; Mycenaeans were mainland-based, more militarized, and used Linear B script.

Why was the Early Iron Age (1150–1000 BCE) once called the “Dark Ages”?

Loss of literacy and reduced archaeological evidence following the collapse of Bronze Age civilizations.

What characterizes the Geometric Period (1000–750 BCE)?

Revival of artistic production, especially pottery with geometric designs; early signs of political and social reorganization.

What major developments define the Archaic Period?

Rise of city-states (poleis), colonization, early philosophy, lyric poetry, and political experimentation (e.g., tyranny).

Name two types of cultural production from the Archaic Period. A:

• Archaic lyric poetry (e.g., Sappho, Solon)

• Archaic song culture and oral traditions

Who were the Milesian philosophers and what did they focus on?

Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes — they explored natural phenomena and cosmology using rational inquiry.

What event marks the beginning of the Classical Period?

The end of the Persian Wars in 479 BCE.

What were the major conflicts of the Classical Period?

• Persian Wars (499–449 BCE)

• Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta

Name three major tragedians of Classical Greece.

Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides

Who are the key historians of Classical Greece?

Herodotus and Thucydides

What cultural developments flourished during the Classical Period?

Drama, philosophy (Socrates, Plato), visual arts, architecture (e.g., Pericles’ building program)

What event marks the beginning of the Hellenistic Period?

Death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE.

What characterizes the Hellenistic world?

Expansion of Greek culture across the Eastern Mediterranean, increased cultural exchange, and development in science, philosophy, and art.

How did Solon describe tyranny in his poetry?

As a tempting but dangerous path—“a fine position, but there was no way to leave it” (Plutarch, Life of Solon).

What does Solon’s refusal of tyranny suggest about his values?

He prioritized justice and reputation over power, believing restraint would earn lasting respect.

What criticism did Solon face for rejecting tyranny?

Some mocked him as foolish for refusing power, saying they’d accept tyranny even for a day if it brought wealth and fame.

What were Solon’s key reforms according to Ps-Aristotle?

• Cancellation of debts

• Liberation of enslaved Athenians

• Legal equality across classes

• Creation of a Council of 400

• Division of citizens into four economic classes

What was the significance of Solon’s law about neutrality during civil strife?

It required citizens to take a side, discouraging political apathy and reinforcing civic responsibility.

What were the three most democratic features of Solon’s constitution?

• Ban on debt slavery

• Right of any citizen to seek justice for others

• Right of appeal to jury courts

What is the origin story of Cypselus, the tyrant of Corinth?

He survived an assassination attempt as a baby due to a prophecy and was hidden in a chest—hence his name.

How did Cypselus rule Corinth?

He exiled many, confiscated property, and ruled harshly for 30 years.

How did Periander become more brutal than Cypselus?

After consulting Thrasybulus of Miletus, who symbolically advised him to eliminate the most powerful citizens.

What disturbing act did Periander commit in response to a message from his deceased wife Melissa?

He stripped and burned the clothes of all Corinthian women to appease Melissa’s ghost.

What argument did Socles of Corinth make against tyranny?

He condemned tyranny as “unrighteous and bloodthirsty,” urging Spartans not to impose it on their allies (Herodotus 5.92).

What are the three types of tyranny according to Aristotle?

1. Lawful monarchic rule over willing subjects (aesymnetae)

2. Lawful but despotic rule

3. True tyranny: unlawful, self-serving rule over equals

What defines “true tyranny” in Aristotle’s Politics?

Rule for the tyrant’s private interest, against the will of free citizens.

What does Aristotle say about the best constitution for most cities?

A middle course—balanced, attainable, and virtuous for the majority.

What is a polis in ancient Greece?

A self-governing city-state comprising an urban center (astu), surrounding territory (chora), and citizen community.

What does the term tyrannos originally mean in early Greek usage?

A ruler with power, initially synonymous with basileus (king), later associated with illegitimate or despotic rule.

Why did Solon refuse tyranny according to his poetry?

Why did Solon refuse tyranny according to his poetry?

What reform did Solon enact to relieve economic crisis?

He cancelled debts and abolished debt slavery (the seisachtheia).

What were the four property classes under Solon’s constitution?

Pentakosiomedimnoi, Hippeis, Zeugitai, and Thetes.

Which class under Solon could only participate in the assembly and courts?

Thetes (lowest class).

What was the role of the Areopagus under Solon?

Guardian of the laws and overseer of major state affairs.

What does Solon’s law about civil strife say?

Citizens must take sides during stasis or be disenfranchised.

What does Aristotle say distinguishes a tyrant from a king?

Tyrants rule for personal gain without law; kings rule lawfully for the good of the people.

Why is Solon sometimes considered a “lawful tyrant”?

He held temporary absolute power to reform Athens, fitting Aristotle’s second category of tyranny.

What does Herodotus’ story of Cypselus’ survival in a chest symbolize?

Divine favor and legitimacy of rule.

How did Periander interpret Thrasybulus’ advice?

As a metaphor to eliminate prominent citizens to secure power.

What ritual did Periander perform to appease Melissa’s ghost?

He stripped and burned all Corinthian women’s clothes in a temple.

What does the burial at Lefkandi suggest about Iron Age society?

Emergence of elite warrior class and ancestor cults.

What is the significance of the terracotta centaur from Lefkandi?

Early evidence of Greek mythological imagery and geometric style.

What does the Dipylon krater depict?

Funerary rituals, mourning, and warrior scenes — reflecting elite status and civic identity.

What does the inscription on Nestor’s Cup reveal about early Greek writing?

Use of epic language and humor; writing as cultural expression.

What foreign group catalyzed Greek writing and trade in the 8th century?

The Phoenicians.

What is the significance of colonization in the 8th century?

Response to land scarcity and a way to expand Greek identity and trade networks.

Why did Greeks mix wine with water?

Cultural norm; drinking unmixed wine was seen as barbaric or excessive.

What does the rise of specialized civic space in Athens indicate?

Increasing urban complexity and division of religious, political, and commercial functions.

What does Solon’s poetry reveal about his political philosophy?

Preference for moderation, justice, and reputation over power.

Why did Solon leave Athens after his reforms?

To avoid pressure to change laws and maintain neutrality.

What does the tribal reform of Cleisthenes of Sicyon suggest?

Attempt to restructure society and reduce Dorian dominance.

Why might Cleisthenes have mocked Dorian tribes with new names?

To assert non-Dorian identity and undermine aristocratic power.

What role did tyrants play in founding colonies?

They appointed their sons as oikistai to extend influence and legitimize rule.

What does the inclusion of tyrants among the Seven Sages suggest?

Wisdom and tyranny were not mutually exclusive in archaic thought.

What does Aristotle’s third category of tyranny describe?

Lawless, despotic rule for personal gain over unwilling subjects.

Why is the distinction between king and tyrant often blurred?

Both held power; the difference lies in legality, consent, and purpose.

What does the Heroon of Lefkandi represent?

A ritual center and elite burial site, possibly linked to ancestor worship.

What does Hesiod’s Works and Days teach?

Moral and practical advice, emphasizing justice, labor, and divine order.

What is a kleros in Hesiod’s context?

A hereditary allotment of land, central to social and economic life.

What does the rise of monumental grave markers indicate?

Social stratification and elite commemoration in the late Geometric period.

Why did Greeks bury offerings with the dead?

To honor the deceased and maintain ritual connections with the afterlife.

What does the story of Pittacus show about tyranny?

Even elected rulers with temporary power could be labeled tyrants.

What does Solon’s rejection of tyranny contrast with Pittacus’ acceptance?

Solon used poetry to shape his legacy; Pittacus was branded by others.

What does the use of epic language in inscriptions suggest?

Cultural prestige and literary sophistication in early Greek society.

Why is the 8th century BCE considered transformative?

Explosion of settlements, writing, colonization, and civic identity.

What does the story of Cypselus’ rise reflect about tyranny?

Tyrants often emerged as correctors of aristocratic injustice.

What does Theognis’ poetry warn about tyranny?

Tyranny arises when elites act unjustly and provoke civil strife.

What were Solon's four property classes in Athens?

500-measure men, Knights (hippeis), Hoplite farmers (zeugitai), and Thetes.

What did Solon's reforms enable in terms of social mobility?

Citizens could move up classes by acquiring wealth, e.g., Thetes becoming zeugitai by buying hoplite gear.

Who was Peisistratus and how did he become tyrant?

A general who seized power three times using deception, alliances, and military force.

What public works did Peisistratus initiate?

Aqueduct, Hekatompedon temple, and minting of Athenian owl coins.

What cultural festivals did the Peisistratids promote?

Dionysia and Panathenaia, which included sacrifices, poetry, athletic contests, and processions.

Who were Harmodius and Aristogeiton?

Tyrannicides who killed Hipparchus in 514 BCE, later celebrated as heroes of democracy.

What was Cleisthenes’ major democratic reform in 508 BCE?

Creation of 10 tribes with mixed regional membership and a Council of 500.

What was the role of the Boule and Ekklesia in Athenian democracy?

Boule prepared laws; Ekklesia voted on them with a quorum of 6000 citizens.

What does “agonistic” mean in the context of Greek culture?

Based on contests—competition in athletics, arts, politics, and even drinking.

How is agonism reflected in Homeric epics?

Through rivalries like Achilles vs. Agamemnon, Odysseus vs. Ajax, and Hector vs. Achilles

What limits Homeric competition?

Social class, activity type (e.g., war, athletics, song), and reward types.

What happens to Thersites when he challenges elites in the Iliad?

Odysseus beats him with a scepter, and the crowd laughs—showing class boundaries.

How did competition expand in the Archaic period?

More participants, venues, and types of rewards—e.g., beauty contests, crafts, drama.

What was the sacred truce before Panhellenic games?

A 3-month ceasefire to allow safe travel for athletes and spectators.

What were the four Panhellenic crown games?

Olympian (Zeus), Pythian (Apollo), Isthmian (Poseidon), Nemean (Zeus).

What prizes were awarded at major games?

Crowns: olive (Olympia), laurel (Pythian), celery (Nemea), pine (Isthmian); minor games gave cash.

What were some fringe benefits for athletic victors?

Dining rights, tax exemptions, statues, and political prestige.

How were athletes idealized in Greek culture?

Seen as heroic figures, sometimes worshipped posthumously (e.g., Theagenes of Thasos).

What defines Greek lyric poetry?

Sung verse with musical accompaniment, often personal or public in nature.

What are the main types of lyric poetry?

Elegiac (epitaphs, epigrams), Iambic (colloquial, invective), Epinician (victory odes).

Where was lyric poetry performed?

Public festivals, musical competitions, and private symposia.

What does Archilochus’ poetry reveal about war?

Cynicism and pragmatism—e.g., abandoning his shield to save himself.

What values does Tyrtaeus promote in his war elegies?

Courage, endurance, and dying gloriously for the polis.

How does Simonides memorialize the fallen at Thermopylae?

With reverent praise and eternal fame—“Time shall not sweep this monument away.”

What themes dominate Sappho’s poetry?

Love, longing, divine intervention, and emotional intensity.

How does Sappho describe the physical effects of love?

Trembling, speechlessness, sweating, and feeling near death.

What does Anacreon’s poetry reveal about symposium culture?

Wine, flirtation, aging, and playful eroticism.