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.