Ancient Greece: Key Figures, Literary Terms & Concepts

Ancient Greece: Key Figures, Literary Terms & Concepts

Dactylic Hexameter Defined

Dactylic Hexameter: A metrical line of six feet, most often dactylic, found in Classical Latin or Greek poetry, including Homer's Iliad.

Polutropos: Man of Many Turns

Polutropos: A Greek term meaning "man of many turns," primarily used to describe Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. It highlights Odysseus's remarkable ability to overcome any given problem, a central theme in Homer's epic.

Sappho: Lyric Poet of Lesbos

Sappho: A renowned female lyric poet from the island of Lesbos. She is famous for writing the Ode to Aphrodite. Her works predominantly explored themes of love and women.

Aigisthos: Character in the Odyssey

Aigisthos: A character in Homer's Odyssey. He was the lover of Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra. Aigisthos conspired with her to murder Agamemnon upon his return home from the Trojan War.

Polyphemos: The Cyclops Encounter

Polyphemos: A fearsome Cyclops whom Odysseus and his men encounter on an island during their journey home. Polyphemos brutally killed and ate several of Odysseus's companions. After Odysseus cleverly escapes the cave, he reveals his identity, enraging Polyphemos, who then calls upon his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus, ensuring he never returns home.

Hesiod: Pioneer of Didactic Poetry

Hesiod: One of the earliest Greek poets whose work has survived to the present day. He is widely considered the creator of didactic poetry. His writings serve as a major source of information on Greek mythology, farming practices, ancient technology, and the social customs of his time.

Solon: Architect of Athenian Democracy

Solon: An influential Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet. He is credited with restructuring the social and political organization of Athens, thereby laying crucial foundations for Athenian democracy. His poems often address the difficulties of love, frequently directed toward other women.

Pericles: Athenian Statesman and Empire Builder

Pericles: A prominent Athenian statesman responsible for the significant development of Athenian democracy and the expansion of the Athenian empire during its Golden Age.

Tragic Flaw (Hamartia) Defined

Tragic Flaw (Hamartia): A fundamental failing or error in judgment within the character of a tragic hero that ultimately leads to their downfall.

Sophocles: Master of Greek Tragedy

Sophocles: An immensely important influence on the development of Greek drama, most notably by introducing a third actor to the stage. He stands as one of the most famous and celebrated writers of tragedy plays in ancient Greece.

Tragic Hero: Key Characteristics

Tragic Hero: A character, often of noble stature, who experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw or fate. Creon from Sophocles' Antigone is a notable example of a tragic hero.

Peisistratus: Telemachus' Companion

Peisistratus: A character in Homer's Odyssey who became an intimate friend of Telemachus, son of Odysseus. He traveled with Telemachus on his unsuccessful search for his father.

Sophists: Ancient Greek Teachers

Sophists: Influential Greek lecturers, writers, and teachers. Most Sophists traveled throughout the Greek-speaking world, offering instruction in a wide range of subjects in exchange for fees.

Thespis: The First Actor

Thespis: According to ancient tradition, Thespis is recognized as the first actor in Greek drama, a pivotal figure in the development of theater.