Important People For Matching On Hellenistic & Greek Culture Unit

Herodotus — Historian

He wrote about his travels, but also wrote about the Greek and Persian wars, where he found out that it is a result of ongoing conflicts between the East and the West, dating all the way back to the Trojan war. He often wrote down anything he was told during his travels. This led him to write down more mythical, or fantastical accounts, especially about other cultures. In his writings he let the reader decide what was true and what was false, giving him the suitable nickname, “The Father Of Lies.”

Thucydides — Historian

Was more reliable than Herodotus, as he never really wrote down tales as far fetched as Herodotus did. He is an Athenian general who focused on writing about the Peloponessian wars. He would often put speech into the mouths of characters he wrote about to add more dramatic effect. For his works, he cited groups of people rather than citing heroes or individuals. He died before he could finish his work.

Xenophon — Historian

He picked up where Thucydides left off on his work. He wrote about his expedition, leading 10,000 Greek missionaries on a mission to overthrow the Persian king. This later influenced Alexander the Great to do similar things during his time leading his empire.

Aristophanes — Play Writer

He was a person who poked fun at politics, politicians, gender roles, and the Peleponessan war. One of his most famous plays was Lysistra, which was about Spartan and Athenian women going on a sex strike because of their husbands always being at war.

Aiskhylos — Play Writer

He was the person who wrote, “Persians”, a play about the Persian court’s reaction to Xerxes misadventures of Greece. He wrote the play from a foreign perspective, for a Greek audience, which was greatly recognized at the time. He also added a second actor to the stage

One of his most famous works was the Oriestria Trilogy, which consisted of the following:

1. Agamemnon

2. The Liberation Bearers

3. The Truicers

Sophokles — Play Writer

He wrote plays about the legends of Thebes. One of his most famous works is the Oedipeus Trilogy, which consisted of:

1. Oedipus Rex

2. Oedipus Collumns

3. Antigone

It was a play about a sister burying her dead brother even though it was illegal because her brother was considered an enemy of the state.

During his other works he poked fun at the polis expecting too much from the people.

Euripides — Play Writer

Even though he did not do so well at play festivals, he was greatly favored by the people. He rarely ever made the gods his characters, and purposely made his characters morally corrupt, or annoying. His most popular work is Medea, which is about a scornful wife seeking revenge on her husband.

Socrates — Philosopher

A Greek philosopher who constantly questioned traditions that he deemed silly. He made his students reexamine, change, or justify their assumptions by questioning them on the spot. He was eventually found guilty of corrupting the youth, and was sentenced to death by Hemlock.

Plato — Philosopher

He studied under Socrates. His philosophy mainly focused on relating metaphysical ideas to good behavior, or ethics. He also believed that there were rewards for good works in the future, helping form later ideas practiced by Christianity. He also used his philosophy to advocate for his own form of government, a republic. He also founded, “The Acadamy”, an important school.

Aristotle — Philosopher

He was a student of Plato, and he taught Alexander the Great. He founded the Lyceum. Aristotle is the most revered Greek Philosopher. His Philosophy focused on the intended purpose of things (Ex. People were meant to stay well informed on politics). He also thought that power rightfully belonged to the rich and well educated.

Cynics/Diogenes — Philosopher

Cynics were associated with him. Cynics challenged and abandoned all traditional assumptions, like loyalty and obedience to the polis. Cynics also supported plain living, therefore Cynics did not appeal to the wealthy. He famously lived in a tub/barrel, and one time he lit a lamp and walked around town saying that he was looking for a human-being.

Epicurus — Philosopher

Him and his followers, the Epicurons, believed that life was short and brutish, so you should enjoy your time while you have it. Pleasure and comfort was good for the soul.

Zeno and the Stoics — Philosopher

Believed that living life without pain was possible by engaging in the moderation of things. Him and his followers refused to be overly happy or overly sad. They believed that the universe was organized by a series of logos and divine vision.

Philadelphos — Ptolmy King

Was a king during the time of the Ptolmies, and his name means, “Sibling-loving” because he married his sister.

Eurgetes — Ptolmy King

Was a king during the time of the Ptolmies, and his name meant, “benefactor”.

Philopater — Ptolmy King

Was a king during the time of the Ptolmies, and his name meant, “Father-loving”. However people thought this was a cover up for his allegedly killing his father to gain rule.

Erastothenes — Ptolmy Visitor

A mapmaker who successfully calculated the circumference of the Earth. He went to Ptolmy for the library.

Archemides — Ptolmy Visitor

A mathematician and inventor, who discovered the principle of water displacement, and invented the lever. He went to Ptolmy for the library.

King Attalos I — Pergamon Era

Was the first person to claim the title of king during the Pergamon era. He started the Attaliaid empire. One day, he refused to pay tribute to the Galatians and ends up defeating them near Pergamon. From then on, the Attaloids are viewed as protectors of Greece against the barbarians. Then he accepted the surname of savior, and eventually allies the Attalaid empire with Rome.