Classics 1000: Midterm 2 > Lecture 4 > Flashcards

Lecture 4 Flashcards

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1
Q

Attitudes toward sexuality and desire?

A

-In ancient Greece desire was considered normal and universal
-Greeks believed people could desire many things, not tied to fix categories
-No modern sexual orientation labels/boundaries (i.e. Heterosexual, Homosexual, etc.)
-No stigma attached to sexual activity in and of itself
As long as it does not disturb your respobsilities as a human

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2
Q

Ta Aphrodisia?

A

The things of Aphrodite

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3
Q

Penetrator vs. Penetrated

A

Penetrator: vigorous dominant
-Considered socially respectable
Penetrated: passive, pursued
-Slightly less respectable to be considered the pursued
Exception: Eromenos

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4
Q

Apotropaism

A

The act of warding away evil through symbolic acts

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5
Q

Herm?

A
  • Statue with large head and penis
    -Penis: symbol of power and symbol for warding off evil things
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6
Q

T/F: Greeks have terms for homosexuality and heterosexuality ?

A

F

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7
Q

Heavenly Aphrodite?

A

-Two people find a kinship and come together and love and bond and desire one another (desire to be one with the other person)
-Represents intellectual, emotional, spiritual love

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8
Q

When did Heavenly Aphrodite occur?

A

Between Two men since women are incapable of having an intellectual bond with a man

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9
Q

Earthly Aphrodite?

A

Represents lust and physical desire

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10
Q

When does Earhtly Aphrodite occur?

A

-Between man and woman
-Man and man
-Woman and woman

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11
Q

Women’s role in relationships?

A

-passive, modest, and sexually restrained
-men did not enjoy engaging with women
-Suspicious if the woman is over enthusiastic because seems she might be sleeping with someone else

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12
Q

Prevalence of Homosexuality in Greece?

A

-Common in Athens
-Difficult to find evidence of Greek men saying that they are exclusively homosexual (was expected of men to continue their family line)

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13
Q

Erastes vs Eromenos?

A

Erastes: older lover (active partner)
Eromenos: beardless youth (passive partner)
Considered proper only while the youth remained young(no beard)
Most prominent in upper classes

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14
Q

What is the relationship supposed to be like between Eromenos and Erastes?

A

-Should endure until the Eromenos becomes an adult(once he is ready to shave)

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15
Q

How does the relationship start?

A

-Older man pursues the younger man (struck by his beauty, potential, intelligence and spirit). Eromenos is not supposed to give in too quickly, is supposed to be won over but not for gifts and not too quickly

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16
Q

Purpose of the relationship?

A

-physical act was the weakest aspect of the relationship
-Older man acts as a teacher and mentor, introduces the younger man into society and acts like a guide

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17
Q

Why did fathers assign slaves to go with their young sons to school?

A

To prevent Erastes from pestering them and trying to seduce them and distracting them from school

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18
Q

Lesbianism

A

-Men not concerned because the bloodline was not threatened
-There were many female only celebrations for Demeter
Could be male artists just predicting what goes on at these ceremonies

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19
Q

Women practiced Homoscoiality?

A

-When husband went away they would invite their friend over to sleep with them
-Was common for women to hold hands, providing each other emotional support, sleep together and there was no sexual activity

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20
Q

What is the father’s job if the Erasthes introduces the young men to society and guides them?

A

As men of the upper class made way into the society they had to go into the city, their father perhaps did not live/work in the city so they needed an older man to guide them

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21
Q

Importance of the Black Sea region for Athens?

A

-Had great farmland which Athens needed as immigration into Athens increased and there was not enough famrland to feed everyone
-Relied on imports of the following from the Black Sea:
Hides
Dyes
Grains(main import)

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22
Q

What did the failed revolt of Samos reveal?

A

Revealed instability within the Delian League - not all allies supported Athens

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23
Q

Concern from the revolt of Samos?

A

If a war with Sparta began, Athens could not rely on all allies for support

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24
Q

Did Samos suceed in their revolt?

A

No

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25
Where did tragedy come from?
-Emerged from festivals in honor of the Greek God Dionysus -At these festivals, groups sang choral lyric poetry -religious songs performed at festivals, weddings, or funerals One singer would take on the role of Dionysus, singing as him → later became the protagonist
26
Aeschylus’ Contribution
-Added the second character (antagonist)
27
Pisistratus' Role in the "City of Dionysia" Festival?
-Decided to fund a festival in honour of this new activity -gave prominence to the new art form: tragedy -built a performance space for it
28
Structure of the "City of Dionysia" Festival?
-Held every March, lasting 5 days -Day 1: Sacrifices, parade, public rituals - Three playwrights each present three plays plus a satyr -All public business shut down -Attendance free (state-funded)
29
Competitions in the "City of Dionysia" festival?
Plays voted on by the people
30
Cultrual signifigance of Tragedy?
-Tragedies used myths to comment on contemporary issues -Athenians looked to playwrights to address the major issues in their society Served as Athens’ artistic and spiritual voice: Expressed public anxieties, interpreted current events
31
T/F: Tragedy was more democratic than other art forms(philosophy, poetry, symposia literature)?
True
32
Orchestra?
-place for dancing (circle in the middle) -Place where the chorus will sing and dance -Not where the main actors are
33
Altar?
-Used for sacrifices to god Dionysus -Useful prop for stage setting(actors say: “ we will meet over by the altar”) -Purpose: when the plays were not being performed religious sacrifices
34
Theatron?
Spectators seating area
35
Proscenium style stage?
-Narrow long stage
36
Skene?
-The backdrop -It would have the scene, almost always a temple or palace
37
Exits?
-Can only exit three places off the greek stage -Stage left, stage right or go into the skene into the greek temple/palace
38
Female characters in tragedy?
All actors were male and female characters were portrayed by males
39
Elements of Tragedy: Half-spoken/Half-sung?
-Spoken dialogues mainly by the actors -Singing by actors or chorus to the accompaniment of musical instruments
40
Chorus?
-Groups of homogeneous people(ie. Old men, demonic powers, citizens) - comment on the action not advance the action -Serve as the spokes people for what you and the audience are feeling in a heightened way
41
Who wore masks?
All Actors and chorus
42
T/F: Acotrs wore platform shoes to appear more important than the chorus
T
43
Tragedies centered around Peripeteia?
-Sudden reversal of fortune -The downfall of some noble person(king, hero or god) who is suddenly undone by forces outside their control -No awakeningt
44
First theory of the purpose of tragedy?
Shows what happens when people above others are blind to their limitations and then fall
45
Second theory of tragedy?
-Catharsis -Idea that people have an anxiety within them (so much out of their control), tragedy allows them to witness what they are terrified of allows them to discharge that fear and as a result they are purified(catharsis) of that anxiety
46
Why is Aeschylus called the “Father of Tragedy”?
He was the first major tragedian and transformed choral storytelling into true drama.
47
What major innovation did Aeschylus introduce to theatre?
The second actor (antagonist), which allowed dialogue and dramatic tension.
48
What is Aeschylus’s major surviving work?
The Oresteia—a trilogy forming one unified drama
49
Why are Aeschylus’s plays less frequently produced today?
They focus more on large themes (justice, revenge) than on characters.
50
What characterizes the style of Aeschylus’s tragedies?
Long, musical explorations of ideas with little physical action onstage.
51
What are Sophocles’ most famous plays?
Oedipus Rex and Antigone.
52
What major theatrical innovation is attributed to Sophocles?
Adding a third actor, expanding dramatic possibilities.
53
How does Sophocles portray human beings?
s they ought to be—noble figures fighting fate or cosmic forces.
54
What themes are central to Sophocles’ tragedies?
Fate, cosmic order, moral law, and the downfall of great heroes.
55
What social stance did Sophocles take in his plays?
He valued the rule of law and showed sympathy for Greek women.
56
What is Euripides’ most famous play involving a betrayed woman?
Medea.
57
How does Medea challenge Greek values?
Medea, a foreign woman, exposes Greek sexism and cultural arrogance.
58
Which Euripidean play is most often performed today?
The Trojan Women.
59
How does Euripides portray human beings?
As they are—flawed, emotional, and often cruel.
60
What aspects of society did Euripides criticize?
Religion, social norms, human behavior—nearly everything.
61
How does Euripides redefine heroism?
He undermines the traditional heroic ideal and focuses on human suffering
62
What was the purpose of a Satyr Play?
To parody or mock the tragic trilogy and relieve the emotional tension.
63
What subjects were off-limits in early Greek comedy?
Criticizing the city of Athens itself.
64
What subjects were fair game?
Gods, politicians, philosophers, public figures.
65
Who is Aristophanes?
The most famous writer of Old Comedy; only comedian with surviving intact plays.
66
What is the plot of Aristophanes’ The Peace?
A farmer attempts to negotiate peace between Athens and Sparta.
67
What is the premise of Lysistrata?
Athenian and Spartan women coordinate a sex strike to end the war.
68
What is the purpose of history according to early Greek thinkers?
To explain human interactions through cause and effect and to understand behaviour using a coherent framework.
69
Who were the logographers?
Early Greek storytellers who wrote about foreign lands, cultures, and customs.
70
What was the original purpose of logographer writings?
Practical guides for merchants—good harbors, local customs, and what to expect when visiting other poleis.
71
Why did logography become significant for Greek culture?
As Greeks learned about foreign customs, they discovered practices that seemed strange to them, prompting reflection on nature vs. custom.
72
What is the difference between “nature” and “custom” for the Greeks?
“Nature” refers to what is inherent; “custom” (nomos) refers to human-made cultural rules.
73
What shaped Herodotus’s perspective?
Ionian rationalist traditions and a fascination with causes, origins, customs, and human nature.
74
How did Herodotus research the Persian Wars?
Interviewed older generations since he wasn’t alive during the events.
75
What did Herodotus originally call his work?
Historia—meaning “inquiry.”
76
What were the main questions The Histories tried to answer?
-Why Greeks and Persians fought -How the Greeks won -How Darius became king -Origins of gods, customs, and distant lands
77
What made Herodotus’s work unique?
It included myths, legends, personal stories, and cultural descriptions from across the Mediterranean world.
78
Why is Herodotus called both “Father of History” and “Father of Lies”?
He pioneered historical inquiry but included entertaining or unusual stories without strictly filtering them for accuracy.
79
What was Herodotus’s approach to other cultures?
Open-minded and non-judgmental; he believed differences were interesting rather than inferior.
80
What three forces drive human downfall according to Herodotus?
Blindness → Pride → Destruction. Success blinds people → leads to arrogance → eventually leads to their ruin.
81
What flaw did Herodotus see in Persian political culture?
Excessive power given to a single autocratic ruler.
82
What Greek value did Herodotus contrast this with?
Dependence on the empowered, responsible citizen.
83
How did Herodotus challenge Greek assumptions about women and “barbarians”?
By including stories about intelligent queens and highlighting the antiquity and sophistication of Egyptian culture.
84
What is Herodotus’s famous thought experiment in Histories 3.38?
Darius asks Greeks and Indians to adopt each other’s funeral customs; both are horrified, proving custom (nomos) shapes morality.
85
Where did Herodotus publicly read parts of his work?
At the Olympic Games.
86
What was Thucydides’ social background?
An Athenian aristocrat.
87
What major event shaped Thucydides life as a historian?
The Peloponnesian War.
88
How did Thucydides gain non-Athenian perspectives?
His exile after failing to save Amphipolis gave him access to outside sources.
89
What distinguishes Thucydides from Herodotus?
Thucydides excludes divine causes and focuses strictly on human action and evidence.
90
Why is Thucydides often considered the first “scientific” historian?
His commitment to accuracy, critical evaluation of sources, and analytical method.
91
What standards did Thucydides apply to evidence?
He accepted only what he considered reliable, favoring neutral or documentary sources.
92
How did he handle eyewitness testimony?
Recognized its unreliability due to emotion and perspective.
93
What topics does Thucydides cover in detail?
War strategy, political decisions, and social behavior—including a vivid account of the Athenian plague.
94
What was Thucydides’ belief about the usefulness of history?
It helps readers understand events “as they were, and as (given human nature) they will be again.”
95
How does Thucydides explain extreme wartime behaviour?
Through a clinical analysis of how circumstances reduce humans to brutal acts (slaughter, burning temples, destroying cities).
96
What does “banausic labor” originally mean?
Working in a forge in front of a furnace.
97
What type of work did banausic labor refer to in Athens?
Dull, repetitive, physically demanding work considered morally and intellectually diminishing.
98
What is the modern equivalent term for banausic labor?
“Grunt work.”
99
What types of jobs were labeled banausic besides physical labor?
Indoor, monotonous jobs—e.g., shoemakers and cobblers.
100
What was considered the ideal job in Athens?
Running your own farm
101
Why was there prejudice against banausic jobs?
They were seen as uncreative, non-social, and degrading.
102
What percentage of Greeks were farmers?
90%
103
Why did more Athenians move into city-based work over time?
Growing wealth allowed people to make a living by providing services.
104
Why was Athens dependent on imports?
The city was too large to feed itself with local agricultural production.
105
Who were metics?
Resident foreigners living in Athens without citizenship.
106
What rights did metics lack?
Voting, holding office, owning property; their children also became metics.
107
What could metics do economically?
A: Rent property, run businesses, and earn a living.
108
Who often became metics?
Freed slaves, immigrants, and ambitious individuals (artists, poets, philosophers).
109
Why was Athens attractive to ambitious foreigners?
It was a cultural and intellectual hub—like New York today.
110
Did Athens have public schools?
Very few; most education was private or home-based.
111
Who was responsible for educating children?
Parents—through homeschooling or tutors.
112
What was missing from early Greek education?
A standardized curriculum and critical thinking training.
113
What was the goal of early Greek education?
To reinforce social norms and prepare children for traditional roles.
114
What is mousikē?
Education in poetry, memorization, music (lyre), reading, and writing.
115
What did upper-class girls learn?
Basic literacy, household management, and temple duties if becoming priestesses
116
What was mentorship (erastes–eromenos) in education?
Older men guiding adolescent boys in moral, social, and intellectual development.
117
What did lower-class children typically learn?
Farming, craft skills, and practical work rather than intellectual subjects.
118
What is nomos?
Custom, law, or social convention—state, social, or religious traditions.
119
What is physis?
Nature—what is inherently true or universal.
120
What debate emerged about nomos and physis?
Whether laws and customs were natural or merely cultural constructs.
121
Give an example of nomos.
Funeral rites, respect for parents, wedding customs, religious rituals.
122
Who were the Sophists?
Professional teachers who taught persuasive argumentation and rhetorical skill.
123
Why did Plato dislike the Sophists?
He believed they only appeared wise and cared more about persuasion than truth.
124
What did Sophists teach their students to do?
Make the weaker argument seem stronger and persuade audiences effectively.
125
Why were Sophists popular in Athens?
Persuasive speaking was essential in a democracy, courts, and political assemblies.
126
Why were Sophists controversial?
Accused of undermining morality and religion; mocked in plays and sometimes persecuted.
127
What philosophical stance did many Sophists promote?
Moral relativism—no action is inherently good or bad.
128
What did Protagoras mean by “Man is the measure of all things”?
Truth is determined by human perception, not absolute standards.
Classics 1000: Midterm 2
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