Greek Culture in Homerage Age
Iliad and Odyssey
Homer
Much of Greek oral poetry was gathered in two epics called Illiad and the Odyssey. According to the tradition, Homer was the creator of these epics. However, no one really knows who the true author was.
Iliad
The Iliad is a story explaining the legend of the Trojan War. The story starts with a Trojan prince named Paris that falls in love with Helen, who happened to be wife of the Mycenaeans king. Paris kidnaps Helen and takes her with him to Troy. Later, the Mycenaeans give a gift to the Trojans, which is a large wooden horse. The Mycenaeans hide inside of the large wooden horse and jump out of it at night to attack the Trojans.
Religious Beliefs
Nature
The Greeks wanted religion for three things. One of them is that they wanted religion to explain nature. For example, they wanted to know what caused lightning, thunder, and the change of seasons.
Emotions and Benefits
The Greeks also wanted religion to reflect emotions that sometimes cause people to lose self-control. The Greeks considered self-control very important. Finally, the Greeks believed religion could bring them certain benefits here and now, such as long life, luck, or a good harvest.
*The picture to the left symbolizes emotions.*
*The picture to the left symbolizes emotions.*
Early Democracy
Aristocracies
Aristocracies were Greek city-states controlled by nobles. Originally, the word meant rule by the best but over tie, came to be known as a privileged social class. Aristocrats controlled virtually every aspect of Greek society during the years.
Hoplites
A new kind of nonaristocratic soldier called the hoplite emerged in many parts of Greece. Hoplites were heavy infantry who carried large spears and fought in rows. The cavalry of the aristocrats were of no match for the powerful hoplites.