Ancient Greek culture is rich with tradition and far reaching influence. Consider how much information about the economy, government, social structure and religion of ancient Greece is found in "Works and Days", by Hesiod; and "The Iliad", by Homer. Each provides a wealth of information on these subjects. Through the two documents, we gain amazing insight into ancient Greek culture. Not every aspect of the culture is finely articulated, but one quickly gains an understanding of the religion, economy, government, social structures and values of the people of that time.
Immediately, upon reading the excerpts of "Works and Days," one is struck with the overarching preeminence of religion in ancient Greek culture. A quick scan of the document shows that Zeus, the chief god of the gods, is mentioned some 32 times in the piece. This main god was omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and just. Known to every inhabitant was the legend of his involvement in the affairs of men. It was known that he could easily make one strong and easily he could bring the strong man low; easily he could humble the proud man and raise the humble man; furthermore, he could easily straighten the crooked and destroy the proudest of men. Religion was vital to early Greek culture. Additional mythical/religious figures often mentioned and referenced include the nine Muses of Persia, Zeus' daughters who are said to "give glory through song," (Hesiod 1); Cronos, the father of Zeus, the bright-eyed goddess Athena, and "the gods who dwell on Olympus." (Hesiod 5)
Religion seemed to foster a sense of divine justice in ancient Greek culture. It also encouraged right actions and ancient Greek customs in people. The concept of hell, or an ill fated judgment from god was present as well, as we see from the Iliad, "He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades," and "yet for all my sorrow for the rest I mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief will bring me down to the house of Hades even Hector." (Homer 6, 7) The citizens knew of the greatness of Zeus, and they used simple exhortations to remind one another of his all seeing eye. This served the purpose of keeping people in line and caused them to think before acting hastily. This aspect of the ancient Greeks' culture was upheld like a science.
Works and Days also alludes to aspects of the economy and a social structure which included "You princes," (Hesiod 5) "rich man... potter... craftsmen... beggar... and minstrel." (Hesiod 1)
Not much detail is given, but there clearly was division of labor and those who had the wherewithal observe that a man becomes more eager to work when he considers his neighbor, typified by a rich man who is diligent to plough and plant and keep his affairs in order. Social status must not have been static. Men were free to strive to be richer in this economic setting of ancient Greek culture.
The two works are relatively silent regarding the government of ancient Greece. From "Iliad", we can deduce, however, that cities or regional areas acted independently from one another. There are many mentions of Achains, the city of Troy, The Trojans, acting on their own, waging war or defending themselves. The Dardanian gates and the Slaian gate also indicate other established cities as well.
As for ancient Greek values, we can see that knowledge of and respect for the gods is clearly at the core of their values. The two works show us that the gods are continually referenced, extolled, and brought into the everyday narratives of the people. Another value that floats to the surface in these two works is justice. From "Works and Days," we learn that the better path is to go by on the other side towards justice; for Justice eats Outrage when she comes at length to the end of the race. But only when he has suffered does the fool learn this. For oath keeps pace with wrong judgments. There is a noise when Justice is being dragged in the way where those who devour bribes and give sentence with crooked judgments, take her. And she, wrapped in mist, follows to the city and haunts of the people, weeping, and bringing mischief to men, even to such as have driven her forth in that they did not deal straightly with her.
Taken together, "Works and Days", by Hesiod; and "The Iliad", by Homer, give us an ample window through which to peer into ancient Greek culture and the chief values of the ancient Greeks. Different aspects of each are presented, therein. Much of the ancient Greek society and culture has survived (with some change, of course), and comprise parts of our Western culture and values today.
Curtis Bradley is the father of three and a full time writer and entrepreneur, residing in Connecticut. He holds a B.S. Finance, Summa Cum Laude, from Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT). Curtis is an avid reader and enjoys learning immensely. currently, he's reading through his list of the top books of all time and writing extensively.
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