“Comparison of Greek Classical and Dark Ages”
Throughout history there have been many speculations about social classes, the development of societies and the overall welfare of countries and their success. But one of the most prominent topics of modern day countries that is closely evaluated is how countries in ancient periods interacted with each other. It has been speculated that the relations between Classical Greece and the Greek Dark Ages were nearly identical specific ways.The Greek city-states in classical and dark age times both had the same warfare tactics, political pyramid and negotiation skills. This is considered a very important topic because by studying how ancient countries interacted you can determine what was successful or unsuccessful and learn from their mistakes. Homer created one of the two most important epics in Greek literature called, “The Iliad”. The setting for “The Iliad” was 1250 B.C.E. which was during the final year of the Trojan War. This passage excerpt from the Iliad titled, “Achilles’s Anger and Its Consequences” depicts the king of Greek city-state Sparta Menelaos and his army attacking the Trojans because Paris of Troy kidnaped his wife Helen. (The Greek experience, page 90)This specific moment in the passage Achilles is angry and arguing with the Greek king Agamemnon because he is trying to take away a female slave that Achilles won in a previous battle. This passages time period is during the Dark Ages so it depicts how homer viewed the interaction between Greek states in specific ways such as leadership interactions, war policies and the depiction of social classes. (The Greek experience, page 90) In “The Iliad” Homer depicts Achilles as being very emotional and prideful. Whenever the character feels that someone wrongs him even in the slightest way he becomes very aggressive and vengeful. (The Greek experience, page 91) When Achilles friend Patroklos was killed by Hektor who was the country Troy’s best warrior, Achilles travelled in order to face Hektor so he could avenge his friend. When finally defeating Hektor, Achilles boastfully stood over him and tried to further intimidate him on how brutal and merciless his murder was going to be. In the conclusion Achilles strapped Hektor to the back of the chariot and dragged his lifeless body all throughout the city letting civilians see, including Hektors mother …show more content…
This story is showing dialogue between Melians and Athenians. This story comes about because the Melians were trying to stay independent whereas the Athenians were trying to force them into an alliance. Athenians sent generals in order to talk sense into the Melians. (The Melian Dialogue, page 1) From the story Thucydides seems to portray the Athenians, specifically military leaders, as being overbearing and aggressive. This also indicates how Thucydides felt the Greek leaders viewed their ideals. Thucydides felt that Greek leaders had a strong sense of power thinking they could do whatever they wanted. They felt that rules did not apply to them and could break them without any repercussions. This information was actually true, the only repercussions leaders would have is people who felt wronged by the act. In this specific story the defendants were the Melians. (The Melian Dialogue, page 1) Thucydides describes the Melians as being innocent and
Throughout history there have been many speculations about social classes, the development of societies and the overall welfare of countries and their success. But one of the most prominent topics of modern day countries that is closely evaluated is how countries in ancient periods interacted with each other. It has been speculated that the relations between Classical Greece and the Greek Dark Ages were nearly identical specific ways.The Greek city-states in classical and dark age times both had the same warfare tactics, political pyramid and negotiation skills. This is considered a very important topic because by studying how ancient countries interacted you can determine what was successful or unsuccessful and learn from their mistakes. Homer created one of the two most important epics in Greek literature called, “The Iliad”. The setting for “The Iliad” was 1250 B.C.E. which was during the final year of the Trojan War. This passage excerpt from the Iliad titled, “Achilles’s Anger and Its Consequences” depicts the king of Greek city-state Sparta Menelaos and his army attacking the Trojans because Paris of Troy kidnaped his wife Helen. (The Greek experience, page 90)This specific moment in the passage Achilles is angry and arguing with the Greek king Agamemnon because he is trying to take away a female slave that Achilles won in a previous battle. This passages time period is during the Dark Ages so it depicts how homer viewed the interaction between Greek states in specific ways such as leadership interactions, war policies and the depiction of social classes. (The Greek experience, page 90) In “The Iliad” Homer depicts Achilles as being very emotional and prideful. Whenever the character feels that someone wrongs him even in the slightest way he becomes very aggressive and vengeful. (The Greek experience, page 91) When Achilles friend Patroklos was killed by Hektor who was the country Troy’s best warrior, Achilles travelled in order to face Hektor so he could avenge his friend. When finally defeating Hektor, Achilles boastfully stood over him and tried to further intimidate him on how brutal and merciless his murder was going to be. In the conclusion Achilles strapped Hektor to the back of the chariot and dragged his lifeless body all throughout the city letting civilians see, including Hektors mother …show more content…
This story is showing dialogue between Melians and Athenians. This story comes about because the Melians were trying to stay independent whereas the Athenians were trying to force them into an alliance. Athenians sent generals in order to talk sense into the Melians. (The Melian Dialogue, page 1) From the story Thucydides seems to portray the Athenians, specifically military leaders, as being overbearing and aggressive. This also indicates how Thucydides felt the Greek leaders viewed their ideals. Thucydides felt that Greek leaders had a strong sense of power thinking they could do whatever they wanted. They felt that rules did not apply to them and could break them without any repercussions. This information was actually true, the only repercussions leaders would have is people who felt wronged by the act. In this specific story the defendants were the Melians. (The Melian Dialogue, page 1) Thucydides describes the Melians as being innocent and