Greek Theater and Cultural Influence in Antiquity

Greek Theater

Dramatic performances originating in 6th century BCE.

City Dionysia

Major festival for tragedies and comedies in March/April.

Lenaia

January festival focusing on comedy competitions.

Rural Dionysia

Localized December festivals celebrating Dionysus.

Theater of Dionysus

Central performance venue located in Athens.

Tragedy

Drama exploring fate, justice, and human suffering.

Comedy

Humorous plays divided into Old and New Comedy.

Satyr Plays

Comic relief performances accompanying tragic trilogies.

Choregoi

Wealthy citizens funding theatrical productions.

Theorikon

State-sponsored tickets for poorer citizens to attend plays.

Sophocles

Renowned playwright known for complex characters.

Ajax

Sophocles' play exploring heroism and psychological impact.

Parabasis

Chorus directly addresses audience, breaking fourth wall.

Old Comedy

Aristophanes' political satire with fantastical plots.

New Comedy

Menander's focus on domestic themes and stock characters.

Dyskolos

Menander's play about love and social class conflicts.

Ekkyklema

Rolling platform revealing off-stage action in theater.

Mechane

Crane used for deus ex machina scenes.

Second Sophistic

Cultural movement reviving Greek traditions in Rome.

Sophistic Oratory

Professional orators teaching rhetoric and public speaking.

Paideia

Greek education emphasizing rhetoric and literature.

Julia Balbilla

Poet preserving Greek identity through her writings.

Greek Colonization

Expansion of Greek culture across Mediterranean regions.

Polis

City-state serving as governance and cultural center.

Olympic Games

Cultural practices uniting Greek colonies with mother cities.

Planned Colonies

Deliberate urban planning in Greek settlements.

Olbia

Example of a planned Greek colony in Ukraine.

Emporia

Trade outposts facilitating multicultural exchanges.

Naukratis

Multicultural trading hub in Egypt with shared shrines.

Cyclopes Episode

Homer's narrative highlighting settlement challenges.

Lotus Eaters Episode

Illustrates group cohesion difficulties in new lands.

Ideal Colony

Fertile, uninhabited lands with safe harbors.

Orphic Traditions

Religious practices focused on afterlife and music.

Alexander the Great

Macedonian conqueror who expanded Greek influence.

Ptolemy I Soter

Established Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt post-Alexander.

Cultural Integration

Merging Macedonian and Egyptian traditions for legitimacy.

Library of Alexandria

Center of learning and culture in Hellenistic Egypt.

Cleopatra VII

Last Ptolemaic ruler, allied with Roman leaders.

Cultural Exchange

Evolution of Greek identity through diverse interactions.

Seleucid Empire

Established by Seleucus I after Alexander's death.

Antioch

Key city founded during the Seleucid Empire.

Hellenistic Influence

Greek traditions integrated with local cultures.

Antiochus Cylinder

Reflects respect for local deities and traditions.

Internal Weaknesses

Overextension and instability within the Seleucid Empire.

Roman Expansion

External pressure contributing to Seleucid decline.

Judaism

Ancient religion with roots in the Levant.

Canaanite Origins

Historical roots of Judaism dating back to Canaan.

Wars of the Diadochi

Conflicts among Alexander's generals post-his death.

Cultural Synthesis

Blending of Greek and local traditions in governance.

Economic Motivations

Trade and wealth drove colonization and conquest.

Sibling Marriage

Egyptian royal custom adopted by Ptolemaic rulers.

Septuagint

Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures symbolizing synthesis.

Divine Rulers

Ptolemaic portrayal to legitimize authority.

Unified Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

Established c. 1000 BCE; cultural center in Jerusalem.

Monotheism

Exclusive worship of Yahweh in Judaism.

Torah

Sacred legal and ethical text in Judaism.

Animal Sacrifice

Ritual practice central to ancient Jewish worship.

Hellenization

Spread of Greek culture and language in Judea.

Seleucid Rule

Promoted Greek language in administration and education.

Jason and Menelaus

Rivals representing moderate vs. enthusiastic Hellenization.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Enforced Greek practices; desecrated Second Temple.

Maccabean Revolt

167-160 BCE uprising reclaiming the temple.

Hanukkah

Celebration of the temple's rededication after revolt.

Hasmonean Rule

Independent Jewish kingdom lasting nearly a century.

Christianity's Emergence

Roots in Judaism; emphasizes personal belief.

Herod the Great

King of Judea; expanded the Second Temple.

Historical Jesus

Born c. 5 BCE; executed c. 30 CE.

Paul of Tarsus

Early missionary; spread Christianity to Gentiles.

Greek Cities

Centers for Christian theology and early texts.

Roman Influence

Adoption of Greek practices shaped early Christianity.

Seleucus I Nicator

Founder of the Seleucid Empire.

Anna Comnena

Author of the Alexiad; daughter of Alexius I.

The Alexiad

15-book historical account of Alexius I's reign.

Byzantine Curriculum

Trivium and Quadrivium shaped education in Byzantium.

Constantinople

Established by Constantine; Greek-speaking capital.

Cultural Blending

Merging of Roman and Greek traditions in Byzantium.

Historical Purpose

Anna aimed to preserve historical deeds from obscurity.

Roman History Periods

Monarchy, Republic, and Empire define Roman timeline.

Relics

Significant in Byzantine culture and architecture.

Greek Rhetorical Techniques

Used by Paul to appeal to Gentiles.