Ancient Greco-Romans
Enter the world of ancient Greco Roman times, where the geographic regions and culture reflected the language, government, and religion associated with both the Greeks and Romans. When exploring some of the influential lives of this time period, you will gain a better insight into the Mediterranean way of life and thinking. In this article, you will encounter a glimpse of the philosophy and literature that once dominated.
Aesop , Creator of Fables
When it comes to literature that has lasted the test of time, Aesop tops the list of infamous writers. What he is known for is his fables, which are still teaching children and adults alike, some of the best moral lessons in written history. Today, you can still encounter Aesop’s morals weaved in and out of children’s plays and cartoons. While the birthplace of Aesop is still up in the air, debates often place him a native of Amorium, Phyrygia, Egypt, Samos, Athens, Ethiopia, Thrace, and Sardis. A collection of modern writers has even linked Aesop’s origin as being in Africa.
Perhaps you have come across one of many Aesop’s fables. Infamous tales include: the Lion and the Mouse; the Ant and the Grasshopper; the Tortoise and the Hare; the Fox and the Goat; the Fox and the Crane (or Crow); the Fox and the Grapes; the Dog and the Bone; the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing; the Boy Who Cried Wolf; the Hen (or Goose) that Laid the Golden Eggs; the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse; the North Wind and the Sun; the Ass in the Lion’s Skin; the Old Man and Death; and the Belly and the Other Members.
Hesiod , Early Greek Poet
The oral traditions of storytelling and poetry were some of the earliest forms of communication between various communities and cultures. Hesiod was an early Greek oral poet who is believed to have lived around 700 BCE or possibly earlier.
When it comes to early poets in Greece, Hesiod and Homer are considered two of the earliest people during this time period. Often times, the two are paired in terms of work. Throughout the years, writings of Hesiod have been regarded as major source for people looking to study Greek mythology, techniques in farming, as well as older styles of Greek astronomy. Hesiod was also an authority in the ancient ways of keeping time.
If you are interested in reading any of Hesiod’s poems, consider the following selections that are often attributed to him: Aegimius; Astrice; Chironis Hypothecae; Idaei Dactyli; Wedding of Ceyx; Great Works (sometimes referred to as Works and Days); Great Eoiae (sometimes referred to as an extended version of Catalogue of Women); Melampodia; and Ornithomantia.
Poets and scholars during Greco-Roman times were highly respected in many circles, as you will find in the article centered on Pindar , an early Greek lyric poet.