Classical Greek and Roman literature and history sources
Ancient Greek historical literature dates back to the original earliest texts until the time of the Byzantine Empire. The earliest existing works written in the ancient Greek language are two epic poems labelled ”the odysseys” and ‘the Iliad’. These two poems, together with Homeric hymns and two poems of Hesiod, form the Greek literature foundation that would continue into Hellenistic, classical and Roman Empire periods. The growth and development of Greek literature have been influenced majorly by poets like Sappho, Alcaeus, and Pindar. Aeschylus is the most ancient playwright to survive in the history of Greek literature. Sophocles presents two famous tragedies in the Antigone and Oedipus. Euripides plays push boundaries of the tragic genre along mystical lines. Plato’s philosophy focuses on various philosophical subjects in a dialogical manner with an influence of Socrates.
On the other hand, Aristotle wrote several influential literal works. Ancient Greek literature has a significant impact on modern literature at large. As a result, many profound ancient roman authors draw their motivation from their Greek predecessors on classical themes and ideologies. In this paper, several classical Greek and Roman literature and history sources will be analyzed.
Sophocles: Antigone.
Antigone is a tragedy play by Sophocles which chronologically comes after the stories “Oedipus at Colonus” and “Oedipus the king”. The story presents the tragic repercussions of Antigone’s defiance of the laws of Creon’s civil laws. Even though set in the city-state of Thebes,several decades before the Trojan war, the play takes place in Athens at the times of Pericles. Although the play happens in times of significant national enthusiasm, it is essential to note the play does not contain any political influence or contemporary allusion to the current times. The traditional Greek drama principle of unity of a place is exhibited in this play as all the scenes unfold in front of the royal palace of Thebes. After the Theban civil war, a debate arises between the ideology of fore bonding and impeding. A series of deaths at the end of the play presents a scenario of catharsis and emotional expulsion.
Antigone’s concern with the dictates of familial loyalty, social decency and obedience to the statues of the Gods puts her life consciously in danger. Contrary, Creon’s concern is the satisfaction of political expedience and real authority. The tragedy of this play comes in the latter stages after Creon realizes his mistake and is left in privation. Through the play, it is notable and that most tragic events are not as a result of divine influence but human errors with limited mention of Gods. Several themes are discussed such as state control: supernatural law verses human laws, civil disobedience, citizenship and family.
Homers: Iliad.
Hesiod: Theogony
Hesiod: Works and Days
Plato’s: Republic,
Jean Jacques: Rosseau on human nature and inequality,
Karl Marx ideas,
John Rawls ideas,
Huxley’s brave new world.