The Culture of Ancient Greece

5.1

Greek Mythology 12 most important gods lived on Mt Olympus Greeks used the myths explain the harshness

of the world Greeks believed in prophecy.

Oracles were used to predict the future Most famous oracle was at the Temple of

Apollo at Delphi

Greek Poetry and Fables

The Iliad and Odyssey were written by Homer. Iliad is about a battle for the city of Troy Odyssey is about a Greek hero named

Odysseus Aesop wrote many fables.

These are short stories that teach a lesson.

Greek Drama

Drama is a story told by actors who pretend to be characters in the story. Tragedy Comedy

Famous writers Aeschylus – wrote Oresteia – teaches that evil

acts cause more evil and suffering Sophocles wrote – Oedipus and Antigone Euripides wrote about real-life people instead

of Gods Aristophanes wrote comedies that made fun of

politicians and scholars

Greek Art and Architecture

Believed in ideas of reason, balance, harmony and moderation – looked for perfection Sculptures reflected these ideas

Most important architecture in Greece was the temple. Most famous was/ is the Parthenon

Greek columns