Luce-PolisHomerHesiod-1978

Overview

• Title: The "Polis" in Homer and Hesiod

• Author: J. V. Luce

• Publication: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 1978

• Focus: Analysis of the term "polis" in the works of Homer and Hesiod, exploring the emergence of the Classical city-state.

Introduction

• The study examines occurrences of "polis" in Homer's and Hesiod's poetry, linking them to archaeological findings about town architecture in 8th century B.C.

• Key section: Book 18 of the Iliad, depicting scenes on the Shield of Achilles, highlights the dominant role of the polis.

• Homer shows the polis in two contrasting states:

  • At Peace: Marriage celebrations and public legal proceedings.

  • At War: Scenes of siege warfare illustrating city life during conflict.

Polis in Homeric Context

• The significance of the polis as a social unit is emphasized.

• Characteristics of city life:

  • Composed of a cluster of houses amid agricultural lands.

  • Central government structure with a king, elders, and a demos (people).

• Peaceful events include marriage festivities and litigation, depicting organized, civilized behavior in contrast to violence.

Legal and Social Structure

• Description of public litigations signifies a shift from personal vengeance to state adjudication.

• Examination of social hierarchy:

  • King at the top, followed by elders (judges), the demos (common people).

  • Cultural life: Traditional music and dance; only potters mentioned as craftsmen.

• Minimal religious references; suggests an emphasis on human society over divine intervention.

Architectural Evidence and Ideals of Polis

• Shift towards urbanization beginning in the 8th century B.C. showcased through archaeological remains.

• Hesiod’s Ascra is also described as a rural community indicating a simpler lifestyle, contrasting with the complexity of later city-states.

• Archaic elements noted in Homer and Hesiod’s depiction of society, including absence of navy and larger political systems like triremes or defensive alliances.

Contrast Between Homer and Hesiod

• Homer reflects a more advanced socio-political structure compared to Hesiod's depiction of a conservative rural community.

• Notable mentions of maritime life in Homer’s accounts of the Phaeacians, representing a developing city-state with robust trade and maritime activities.

• Hesiod’s focus is more agricultural, criticizing the aristocracy and addressing social justice within his works.

Vocabulary and Usage of Polis

• The terms "polis" and its synonyms (e.g., "astu") are used interchangeably throughout the epics.

  • Statistics:

    • Iliad: "polis" (109 occurrences), "astu" (77 occurrences).

    • Odyssey: "polis" (89 occurrences), "astu" (49 occurrences).

• Specific locations mentioned as "polis": Troy, Knossos, Argos, Ithaca among others.

• Juxtaposition of "polis" and "astu" in critical passages, hinting at socio-political nuances.

Political Life in the Polis

• Insights into political assemblies and indications of a shift from monarchal toward more democratic ideals.

• Popular assemblies exist but lack regularity; decisions are subject to monarch's authority and public discontent.

• Social tensions evident in the narratives reflect duality in governance, with questions of authority amidst local aristocracy.

Conclusion

• Both Homer and Hesiod emphasize the pivotal role of justice in maintaining community prosperity.

• Guidelines for social interactions (the "themistes") are crucial for cohesion, reflecting on the balance of power between rulers and the ruled.

• Polis signifies not just urban development but also the underlying socio-political fabric that shaped Greek identity during this formative period.

• Homer’s portrayal suggests early signs of complex governance that precedes classical democratic structures.