Classical Period 500 BC400 AD

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Classical Period 500 BC-400 AD Dark Ages
400-1000 Medieval Period 1000 to 1300
Renaissance 1300-1600 Neoclassical Period
1600-1789 Romantic Period 1789-1860 Age of
Realism 1860-1920 Modernism 1920-1950 Post-Moder
n Period 1950-?
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The Golden Age of Greece is often seen as a
period during which the institutions of a
civilized people were allowed to flourish. This
is a correct way to view the ancients.
Throughout western history, poets and
philosophers, mathematicians and medical doctors
have looked to the Greeks for inspiration and
enlightenment. The accomplishments of these
people were many and their contributions to the
advance of civilization rival those of the
Egyptians, the Chinese, and any other western
culture.
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Among the many interests of the Greeks are such
things as sculpture, architecture, religion,
philosophy, history, government, engineering,
astrology, war, ship building, agriculture,
medicine, music, and athletics in competitive
sports. On a sad note, the Greeks are also
blamed for inventing the art form of mime.
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900-801B.C. The Iliad and The Odyssey are
written, attributed to Homer. Epic poetry is
known to have existed since 1000 B.C.
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800-701B.C. The poet Hesiod creates a formalized
system to explain the roles and positions of the
gods. Apollo is worshipped in the city of Thebes.
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600-501B.C. Oracle at Delphi reaches its point of
greatest influence. Greek poet Thespis has first
public performance of a tragedy based on a hymn
to the god Dionysius (who will later come to be
known as Bacchus, the god of wine.)
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493 B.C. Theater of Dionysius built in Athens
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471 B.C. Playwright Aeschylus adds a second
actor and chorus to tragedy.
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468 B.C. Playwright Sophocles adds third actor
to tragedy.
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The philosopher Aristotle helped to explain what
tragedy is in his Poetics, an examination of what
he saw in the works of the great playwrights like
Sophocles and Aeschylus. He found the following
elements
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1. The tragic hero must be a person of noble
stature.
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2. Though great, the hero is not perfect.
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3. His or her downfall is partially his or her
own fault.
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4. His or her misfortune is not wholly deserved.
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5. He or she gains an awareness from his or her
suffering.
.
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6. The drama arouses solemn emotions in the
audience leading to a catharsis.
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7. The heros fall leads to an improvement in
the conditions of his or her society.
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8. The language of the play must be appropriate
to the seriousness of the events depicted.
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The hero possesses certain qualities. Consider
the following candidates and what they might
have in common Moses Jesus Mohammed Oedipus Hamle
t Willy Loman Superman Batman Luke Skywalker
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1. Dubious Parentage
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2. Engaged in a quest
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3. Must go through a wilderness period.
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4. Possesses a fatal flaw
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"The Greek character was one of energy and bold
experimentation tempered by the exercise of
reason and clear judgment. They believed that an
ideal life based on a harmony of interests and
abilities should include a healthy balance of
action and thought." - Civilization Past and
Present Wallbank, Taylor and Bailkey
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Sophrosyne - The belief expressed by Hesiod that
humans must learn to pursue moderation in all
things. Arete - Excellence built on two
ingredients righteousness and hard work. To
Socrates, human excellence is knowledge and evil
and error are the result of ignorance.
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Hamartia - The fatal or tragic flaw. Hubris -
Insolence or overwhelming pride which can lead to
the destruction of the hero, it is the result of
human excess Nemesis - Retribution of the gods
as punishment for the sin of hubris