Ancient Greek Government and Literature Periods

Flashcards covering the development of Ancient Greek government, the major periods of Greek literature, key authors, and the evolution of theatre.

Aegean Sea

The geographic area where Greek civilization and culture developed.

Polis

A Greek city-state.

Athens

The location where democracy originated for free men.

Greek literature

The body of writings in the Greek language, spanning from the 1st millennium bc to the present day (recorded up to 2007).

Phoenician-derived alphabet

The writing system fully adopted and used in Greek literature.

Archaic Period

A literary period involving oral traditions delivered at festivals through singing and recitation, focusing on myths and epics.

Homer

The presumed author of the epics the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey" who established most literary conventions.

The "Iliad"

An epic story focusing on the Trojan War and the anger of Achilles.

Hesiod

A highly respected poet alongside Homer, considered the father of didactic poetry and author of "Theogony" and the "Hymn to Apollo."

Didactic poetry

A style of poetry intended to teach a lesson, give advice, or explain an idea.

Classical period

Known as the "Golden age of greek literature," characterized by the rise of philosophy, drama, history, and the evolution of poetry into drama.

Aeschylus, Sophocles, & Euripides

The three popular playwrights of the Classical period whose work focused on democracy, ethics, human conditions, and relationships.

Acropolis of Athens

The site of ancient Greek theatre, which featured semi-circular designs and performances of comedy, tragedy, and satire.

Masks and Costumes

Theatrical tools used in Greek plays where performers were exclusively men and instruments like the lyre and aulus were used.

Hellenistic Period

A period where Greek culture spread over the Mediterranean Sea and literature became more personal, emotional, and scholarly.

Alexander the Great

The leader responsible for the spread of Greek culture over the Mediterranean Sea.

Greco-roman legacy

The expansion of Hellenistic culture across Europe and its immense influence on the Romans following the death of Alexander.