Ringhoffer

Greek tragic plays could strongly affect the Greek community for several reasons. These tragic plays were usually about a heroic figure (a hero, or maybe even a group of people,( that ended in the heroic figure dying or having some tragic event happen to them causing them to even die or not be seen as heroic at all anymore. These types of plays could influence the ancient Greek community because there were several heroes during this time, and many people probably viewed them as gods or people who were blessed by gods. When these plays were told people could believe that heroes were just normal people, and that anybody could be hero. This realization could have caused the end of the era of great heroes because people did not look up to and revere these people anymor

The training to becoming a [|full-fledged male citizen] (which in Sparta also meant a fully trained warrior) in Sparta included many tests and trials. The first life test of a Spartan boy would be when he is first born; he would be examined by others to see if it has the qualities of becoming a successful Spartan warrior. If any deformities or signs of weakness are found on the infant, the baby would be thrown off of Mt.Taygetos. This is probably because in Spartan society if you cannot perform your role as a male (to fight) then you are useless and will face a pointless life. A Spartan boy would be raised until he was 7, where he then would be into a troop of other young Spartans led by the bravest and promising of them (as well as an elder Spartan warrior to train them). Here the young Spartans went through vigorous physical training, learning to deal with hardships, discipline, and basic weapon and war tactics. This would continue until the boy was 12/13. Then the boy would be taken to live in the military barracks, where he would be fed and trained to become a healthy adult. During this time they were kept in peak physical condition, as well as being educated in advanced war tactics, usually by playing serious war games in which different scenarios would be played out. This training lasted until the boy turned 20 years old, in which he was then considered a [|Spartan warrior] and could fight with the army in wars and battles. Not until a Spartan turned 30, would he be considered a full-fledged citizen and be allowed to marry and bear children. After that the Spartan would be considered an active soldier who could be called upon at any time, until he turned 60 years old, in which he would be allowed to retire. = = = = =Comparing Sparta-Athens Essay= The Greek city-states Sparta and Athens had similarities and differences on many views. They both had very different culture, even though they were both states inside the Greek territory. They had similarities in areas such as food, eating habits, the cultural legacy they left behind, and how social parties happened. Athens and Sparta both had different views on how important food was, to Athens thought that food was a luxury that was supposed to be enjoyed, so they collected and ate foods from all over the Greek Empire. Sparta’s dinner mainly consisted of pork, blood, salt and vinegar. Luxuries and fancy foods were taught to be disliked my Sparta and their men. Athens and Sparta had different views on eating habits and dinner parties. Athens thought that men attended “symposiums” when they eat. “Symposiums” means drinking together. Athenian men (Sparta and Athens dinner parties and social events only included men) would often eat as many luxury foods as possible, and get drunk of the fine wine that Athens was known for. Spartan men that were full citizens attended common messes. The men would go through a judgment process to get in, once inside the men would enjoy meditation, food and drinks were rationed at these parties (as eating and getting drunk. Athens and Sparta both left behind a very different legacy of what others remembered them for. Athens was remembered for their work in the arts and work in government. Athens free-time was mainly spent developing knowledge in areas such as art, architecture, drama, literature, philosophy, science, medicine and others. The creation of the democratic government, and trial by jury was from Athens. Sparta left behind a legacy of supreme military and a very simple lifestyle. Sparta also was the inspiration for “The Republic” a book by Plato which was the first attempt to formulate an ideal community.

Hermes and Apollo When Hermes (the messenger god, son of Zeus) was a toddler still in his cradle, he climbed out and walked to Pieria in Northern Greece. Hermes’s half-brother Apollo (the sun god also son of Zeus), had a herd of cattle in a pasture. Hermes discovered these cattle and reversed their hooves, so that they walked backwards. He then took the backwards cattle and hid them inside a cave. Hermes then returned to Mt.Cyllene in Arcadia. Apollo discovered his missing cattle and could not track them down because of the confusing backwards trail. Eventually Apollo figured it out and tracked down Hermes, he found him in his cradle sleeping. Apollo grabbed him and took him to their father Zeus to be judged. Hermes denied everything at first, but eventually admitted to committing the crimes, Zeus had found the story funny of how an infant had outwitted Apollo, and did not punish Hermes but just told him to return the cattle. Hermes feeling guilty offered Apollo the present of the lyre (or lute), a musical instrument he made out of a shell of a tortoise (and the intestines of one of the cattle). Apollo was thankful and then gave Hermes a golden rod to guide herds of animals with. This was the beginning of the strong friendship between Hermes and Apollo. I think that this myth was created (like most other myths) to help understand something. At the end of this myth it says that the lute is created, and given to Apollo (who is the god of the sun, and music) so this myth might have been made to tell a story about how music was created

The Greeks were not a united country but they were city-states. They shared the same language – Latin! The Minoans were Greeks that lived on Crete. Minoans traded a lot, traded with over 200 islands. Their economy was mainly based on the sea (fishing, boat trading) Sea also links many city-states together. The land made it difficult to The mountains surrounding them protected them from land invaders. The climate stays in comfortable range, no extremes. (let them advance in culture faster)

- Geography – mountainous, by the sea. (Located on rocky ridge) surrounded by thick walls - Climate – temperate, no extremes - Very warlike culture, king is a warrior. (Dominate 1600 B.C. – 1100 B.C.) Traded with Troy!
 * Mycenae**

Troy – Mycenae fought a war, called the Trojan Wars. Epics like the Iliad were made to tell stories Myths were brought out of these to explain things, often about gods/mythical creature