Monday, 22 August 2022

Ancient Greek Language

References

The Thesaurus Linguae Graecae: A Bibliographic Guide to the Canon of Greek Authors and Works (TLG®)
https://stephanus.tlg.uci.edu/
Thesaurus Linguae Graecae - Maria C. Pantelia - Google Books
Thesaurus Linguae Graecae: Canon of Greek Authors and Works by Berkowitz, Luci - Internet Archive

Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics — Brill

A Companion to the Ancient Greek Language - Google Books

Reading Greek - Google Books

Internet Archive - Ancient Greek Language on Archive.org

Ancient Greek Language - Classics - Oxford Bibliographies

The Cambridge Grammar of Classical Greek - Google Books

Reference Works Page | Dickinson College Commentaries

Bibliotheca scriptorum Graecorum et Romanorum Teubneriana - Internet Archive
Bibliotheca Teubneriana - Wikipedia

Loeb Classical Library
Loeb Classical Library - Wikipedia

Oxford Classical Texts - Oxford University Press
Oxford Classical Texts - Wikipedia

Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics
Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics collection - Google Search
Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics – Cambridge University Press Bookshop

The Cambridge Grammar of Classical Greek - Evert van Emde Boas, Albert Rijksbaron, Luuk Huitink, Mathieu de Bakker - Google Books


Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek - James Morwood - Google Books
Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek : James Morwood - Internet Archive

Collection Budé - Internet Archive
Collection Budé - Wikipedia

Bibliothek der Antike – Wikipedia

Scrittori greci e latini - Wikipedia

Greek alphabet - Wikipedia

Greek numerals - Wikipedia

Attic calendar - Wikipedia

Olympiad - Wikipedia

Ancient Greek units of measurement - Wikipedia

Ancient Greek units of measurement - Wikipedia

Ancient Greek Coinage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Social_classes_of_ancient_Athens

Plethron - Wikipedia

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Greek Language - Wikisource

The Ancient Languages of Europe: Roger D. Woodard - Internet Archive

Bibliography of Ancient Greek Linguistics - The Digital Classicist Wiki

logeion.uchicago.edu/about - ΛΟΓΕΙΟΝ database of Classical Greek and Latin Resources

Greek Grammar for Colleges: H.W. Smyth - Internet Archive

Greek Grammar for Colleges: H.W. Smyth - Internet Archive Rosetta Stone Project copy

Comparative Grammar of the Greek language: Wright, Joseph, - Internet Archive

A Series of First Lessons in Greek - Google Books

An Elementary Greek Grammar - Google Books J. Hamblin Smith

An Elementary Greek Grammar - Google Books Goodwin

The restored pronunciation of Greek and Latin : Arnold, Edward Vernon - Internet Archive

Syntax of Attic Greek : Thompson, Francis Edward- Internet Archive

Basil L. Gildersleeve, Syntax of Classical Greek

An Elementary Greek syntax : Francis Edward Thompson - Internet Archive

Greek Grammar: W.W. Goodwin - Internet Archive

A grammar of the Greek language: Curtius, Georg - Internet Archive

Greek Verb Aspect.

Greek verbs, irregular and defective; their forms, meaning and quantity: embracing all the tenses used by the Greek writers, with references to the passages in which they are found : Veitch, William- Internet Archive

English wiki-Ancient_Greek-20200725.pdf: Wikipedia - Internet Archive

A historical Greek grammar, chiefly of the Attic dialect by Jannaris, Antonius N. - Internet Archive

Elements of Greek Accentuation - Karl Wilhelm Goettling - Google Books

Teach Yourself Ancient Greek -  Internet Archive

Learn Ancient Greek: Jones, P. V.  - Internet Archive

Ancient Greek I: A 21st Century Approach: Philip S. Peek - Internet Archive

Athenaze : an introduction to ancient Greek Book 1 : Balme, M. G - Internet Archive
Athenaze : an introduction to ancient Greek Book 2 : Balme, M. G - Internet Archive

An introduction to ancient Greek: a literary approach: Luschnig, C. A. E.- Internet Archive

A Greek–English Lexicon - Wikipedia

Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon

Liddell and Scott - Google Books

Ancient Greek : Betts, Gavin - Internet Archive

Complete Ancient Greek : Betts, Gavin -: Internet Archive

Ancient Greek Dictionary Online Translation - LEXILOGOS

Ancient Greek Keyboard - Polytonic Diacritics - LEXILOGOS

An Essay on the Different Nature of Accent and Quantity, with their use and application in the English, Latin, and Greek languages: Foster, John - Internet Archive

S. Colvin: A Brief History Of Ancient Greek - Internet Archive

Greek: A History of Language and Its Speakers: Geoffrey Horrocks - Internet Archive
Greek: A History of the Language and its Speakers - Geoffrey Horrocks - Google Books

The Prosody of Greek Speech - A.M. Devine, Laurence D Stephens - Google Books

Introduction – Ancient Greek for Everyone

Perseus Digital Library

Scaife Viewer Digital Library - Perseus

Wiktionary

Etymological Dictionary Of Greek: Robert S. P. Beekes - Internet Archive
Etymological Dictionary Of Greek Vol 1 : R. B. - Internet Archive
Etymological Dictionary of Greek, Vol. I-II : R. B. - Internet Archive

History-of-the-Greek-Language: Francisco Rodríguez Adrados - Internet Archive

The Greek language : Thomson, George Derwent - Internet Archive

Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek language and linguistics

The new cultural atlas of the Greek world - Internet Archive

A history of ancient Greek: from the beginnings to late antiquity
AF Christidis, AP Christidēs, M Arapopoulou, M Chritē… - 2007 - books.google.com

A classical primer: ancient knowledge for modern minds : Crompton, Dan, - Internet Archive

Ψηφιακή Βιβλιοθήκη της Αρχαίας Ελληνικής Γραμματείας

The Brill dictionary of ancient Greek

Etymological Dictionary of Greek by Robert Beekes - Internet Archive

The Cambridge Greek Lexicon Volume 1 - Google Books
The Cambridge Greek Lexicon Volume 2 - Google Books

A Homeric Dictionary for Schools and Colleges: G. Autenrieth - Internet Archive

TLG - Home

TLG - Abridged

Language and History in Ancient Greek Culture

M Ostwald - Language and History in Ancient Greek Culture, 2011 - degruyter.com




   Attic Aeolic Doric Ionic

Ancient Greek Dialects Map - Wikimedia Commons

Introduction to the study of the Greek dialects : grammar, selected inscriptions, glossary : Buck, Carl Darling - Internet Archive
Greek language - Wikipedia

Proto-Greek language - Wikipedia

Koine Greek - Wikipedia

Hellenic languages - Wikipedia

List of Greek phrases (mostly ancient Greek) - Search results - Wikipedia

Mycenaean Greek - Wikipedia


Greek alphabet - Wikipedia

Romanization of Greek - Wikipedia

Grecs du roi - Wikipedia

Porson (typeface) - Wikipedia

Bibliotheca Teubneriana - Wikipedia Typeface

Philological Tools Help Perseus Project

The Literate Revolution in Greece and Its Cultural Consequences - Eric Alfred Havelock - Google Books


Written texts and the rise of literate culture in ancient Greece - Internet Archive
Written Texts and the Rise of Literate Culture in Ancient Greece - Google Books

How to Learn Ancient Greek: The Ranieri-Roberts Approach - YouTube


Internet Archive Machine: Search for The Greek Dialects



Tragedy and the use of the Doric Dialect

The origin of the use of the Doric dialect in Greek tragedy is a matter of debate. Some scholars believe that it is a remnant of the original form of tragedy, which was developed in the Dorian Peloponnese. Others believe that it was a deliberate choice by the tragic poets, who wanted to create a more emotional and passionate style of drama.

There is some evidence to support both of these theories. The earliest surviving tragedies, such as those of Aeschylus, do use a number of Doric forms, especially in the choral passages. However, the use of Doric gradually declined over time, and by the time of Euripides, the Attic dialect was the norm.

One possible explanation for this is that the Attic dialect was becoming increasingly dominant in Athens, and the tragic poets wanted to appeal to a wider audience. Another possibility is that the Doric dialect was becoming associated with a more archaic and traditional style of drama, and the tragic poets wanted to create something that was more modern and innovative.

Ultimately, the reason why the Doric dialect was used in Greek tragedy is a mystery. However, it is clear that it played an important role in the development of this genre, and it continues to be a fascinating topic of study for scholars today.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  • The Doric dialect was spoken in many parts of Greece, including the Peloponnese, Crete, and Sicily. It was also the dialect of Sparta, which was a major cultural and political centre in ancient Greece.
  • The Doric dialect was known for its strong rhythms and its use of assonance and alliteration. These features may have appealed to the tragic poets, who wanted to create a sense of excitement and drama in their plays.
  • The Doric dialect was also associated with the worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. This may have been another reason why the tragic poets chose to use it, as Dionysus was also the patron god of tragedy.

Whatever the reason, the use of the Doric dialect in Greek tragedy is a distinctive feature of this genre. It helps to create a sense of time and place, and it also contributes to the emotional and passionate tone of the plays.

More on why Doric was the favoured dialect for Ancient Greek Tragedy

The use of the Doric dialect in Ancient Greek Tragedy, particularly in the choral parts, is largely due to the conservative nature of literary genres in ancient Greece and the origin of choral lyric poetry.

Here's a breakdown of the reasons:

  • Association with Choral Lyric Poetry: Greek tragedy is believed to have evolved from earlier choral performances, particularly the dithyramb, which was a hymn sung and danced in honor of Dionysus. This choral lyric poetry, originating in Doric-speaking regions (like Sparta and other parts of the Peloponnese), was traditionally composed in Doric. As tragedy developed, it retained this convention for its choral sections.

  • Genre-Dialect Association: In ancient Greece, there was a strong tradition of associating specific literary genres with particular dialects. Even when writers were not native speakers of a particular dialect, they would compose in the dialect historically linked to that genre. For example:

    • Epic poetry (like Homer's) was in a mixed Ionic dialect.
    • Lyric poetry might be Aeolic.
    • Choral poetry was Doric.
    • Attic (the dialect of Athens) became dominant for the spoken dialogue of tragedy and for philosophical/scientific prose.
  • Origins of Tragedy: While Athenian tragedy was primarily written in Attic, its roots are thought to lie in practices and traditions from Doric-speaking regions. The earliest forms of dramatic performance, including "tragic choruses," existed in Dorian Greece around 600 BC. This early association cemented the use of Doric for the choral elements.

  • "Rustic" or "Archaic" Connotations (Later Interpretations): Over time, especially from an Athenian perspective, Doric came to be associated with a more "rustic" or "conservative" tone compared to the sophisticated Attic. This might have contributed to its perceived suitability for the more solemn and traditional role of the chorus, which often provided moral commentary or contextual information, connecting the audience to older myths and traditions.

It's important to note that the "Doric" found in Athenian tragedies was often a literary, somewhat conventionalized form of the dialect, and not always a pure reflection of contemporary spoken Doric. It often included elements that were "Atticized" to some degree.

Some further references:-

There's a wealth of free resources available online for learning Ancient Greek! Here's a breakdown of different types of materials and where to find them:

I. Comprehensive Courses & Textbooks:

  • The Open University's "Learning Ancient Greek" and "Getting Started on Ancient Greek": These offer interactive courses and supplementary materials, including study guides, vocabulary testers, and quizzes for use with the "Reading Greek" series. (https://fass.open.ac.uk/classical-studies/learning-ancient-greek)
  • "Ancient Greek I: A 21st Century Approach" by Philip S. Peek: This open-access textbook is available for free download in various formats (PDF, eBook, online) and is designed for high school and university students, but suitable for self-learners. It emphasizes memory, analysis, and logic, and includes audio links for pronunciation. (https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/1104, https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0264)
  • Ancient Greek Tutorials by Donald J. Mastronarde (AtticGreek.org): This site offers a pronunciation guide, vocabulary lists, verb and noun drills, and more.
  • "Homeric Greek: a book for beginners" (1920 edition) by Pharr: Available on Archive.org.
  • "Ancient Greek for Everyone": A free, Creative Commons digital textbook mentioned on Reddit.
  • First Greek Book by John William White: This digital tutorial, based on the 1896 original, offers a guided curriculum with drill and practice exercises. (https://guides.lib.cua.edu/c.php?g=590082&p=7653847)
  • Free Greek. Forever.: This site offers scripts, vocabulary lists, grammar notes, audio, printable worksheets, and links to various free grammars (including Jeremy Duff's "The Elements of New Testament Greek") and lexicons. (https://freegreek.online/resources/)

II. Digital Libraries & Text Repositories:

  • The Perseus Digital Library: An extensive digital library covering the history, literature, and culture of the Greco-Roman world. It includes a large database of Greek texts with translations, images, and resources for textual studies. (https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/)
  • Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG): While a full subscription might be required for complete access, registered users can often access an abridged version with many useful texts. This is a massive digital library of virtually all ancient Greek texts from Homer to 1453 AD.
  • Library of Ancient Texts Online: Aims to be a comprehensive catalog of online copies of ancient Greek texts, both in Greek and in translation.
  • The Chicago Homer: A multilingual database focusing on early Greek epic, making features accessible with or without Greek knowledge.
  • Project Gutenberg: Contains a database of Latin language books, and you may find some Greek texts or related resources there.

III. Dictionaries & Lexicons:

  • LSJ Greek-English Lexicon (Liddell & Scott's Greek-English Lexicon): An online, searchable version of this classic lexicon. (https://instr.iastate.libguides.com/classicalstudies/free)
  • Louw & Nida: A lexicon mentioned as freely available on "Free Greek. Forever."
  • Kypros.org Greek-English Dictionary: An online bilingual Greek-English dictionary.
  • Perseus Project: A Homeric Dictionary by Georg Autenrieth: Searchable online.
  • Ancient Greek Lexicon & Syntax: Another resource for vocabulary and grammar.

IV. Grammar & Study Aids:

  • JACT Greek Summer School Resources: Offers open-access materials including introductions to the alphabet, grammar explanations (verbs, cases, adjectives, tenses), and worksheets. (https://www.greeksummerschool.org/resources/)
  • Online Greek Grammar Learning Tools & Study Aids: This page provides links to explanatory grammatical pages and charts.
  • Overview of Greek Syntax by Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox: Included in some open-source tools for learning Ancient Greek.
  • Hoplite Challenge Ancient Greek Verb Conjugator (iPhone/Google Play): A gamified app for verb conjugation practice.
  • Alpheios: A browser extension and mobile app that helps with reading Classical texts online, providing definitions and conjugations.

V. Other Useful Resources:

  • Reddit Communities (r/AncientGreek, r/GREEK): These subreddits often have compilations of free resources, discussions, and recommendations from other learners.
  • YouTube Channels: Many channels offer grammar lectures, pronunciation guides, and readings of Greek texts. Some are linked from "Free Greek. Forever."
  • Academic Library Guides: University libraries often compile extensive lists of free online resources for classical studies, including Ancient Greek. (e.g., Denison University, Iowa State University, Australian National University, Mount Holyoke College)
  • Open Access Networks for Classical Studies: These platforms highlight open-access journals, books, and repositories related to classical studies. (https://open-access.network/en/information/subject-specific-open-access/classical-studies)

When looking for resources, consider whether you're interested in Classical Attic Greek, Koine Greek (Biblical Greek), or Homeric Greek, as some resources specialize in a particular dialect. Good luck with your Ancient Greek studies!


Friday, 4 February 2022

Death in Classical Greece

In Ancient Athens, Death held profound significance, shaped by religious beliefs, cultural practices, and societal values. The Athenians viewed Death not merely as the end of individual existence but as a transition to another realm, intricately tied to the gods, the community, and notions of immortality through memory and legacy.

Key Aspects of the Meaning of Death in Ancient Athens:

1. Religious and Mythological Frameworks

  • Afterlife Beliefs: The Athenians believed in an afterlife where the soul (psyche) journeyed to Hades, the underworld ruled by the god of the same name. This realm was depicted as a shadowy existence, though there were variations, including the Elysian Fields for the blessed and Tartarus for the wicked.
  • Rituals and Deities: Death rituals were overseen by deities such as Hades, Persephone, and Thanatos (the personification of death). Offerings were made to appease these gods and secure a favourable afterlife for the deceased.

2. Civic and Communal Importance

  • Funeral Rites: Proper burial and mourning rites were essential to honour the dead and maintain social order. These included washing the body, laying it out (prothesis), a procession (ekphora), and burial or cremation. Improper burials were seen as disrespectful to both the deceased and the gods.
  • Public Commemoration: The Athenians placed great value on commemorating the dead, especially those who died in service to the polis. Public funerals (epitaphios logos) celebrated fallen warriors, emphasising their contribution to the city-state and collective memory.

3. Philosophical Perspectives

  • Views on Mortality: Philosophers like Socrates and Plato explored the meaning of death deeply. Socrates famously viewed death as a potential release of the soul to a better existence or as an eternal, peaceful sleep. Plato elaborated on the immortality of the soul, describing its eternal journey beyond physical death.
  • Ethical Implications: Death prompted reflections on virtue and the good life. Living well and leaving a positive legacy were seen as ways to achieve a form of immortality through remembrance.

4. Cultural Practices

  • Grave Markers and Art: Tombstones (stelae) often depicted scenes of domestic life or farewells, emphasising the continuity of relationships and the integration of the dead into the living community’s memory.
  • Festivals and Remembrance: Festivals like the Anthesteria and the Genesia honoured the dead, fostering communal connections and ensuring the proper respect for ancestors.

5. Death and Heroism

  • Heroic Ideal: Death in battle was celebrated as the ultimate sacrifice for the city-state. This aligned with Homeric ideals of glory and honour, influencing Athenian views on military service and death.

In summary, death in Ancient Athens was both a personal and collective event, intertwined with religious duty, social cohesion, and philosophical inquiry. It was a moment of transition, a chance for the living to reaffirm their values, and a means to ensure the deceased's lasting presence in the memory of the community.


References


"Reading" Greek Death: To the End of the Classical Period: Christiane Sourvinou-Inwood - Internet Archive
"Reading" Greek Death - Google Books

Aspects of Death in Early Greek Art and Poetry - Google Books

Hades - Oxford Reference

Persephone/Kore - Oxford Reference

Cerberus - Oxford Reference

Plutus - Oxford Reference

Eleusis - Oxford Reference

Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries - Google Books
Eleusis and the Eleusinian Mysteries : Mylonas, George E, - Internet Archive
Bronze Age Eleusis and the Origins of the Eleusinian Mysteries - Google Books
The Eleusinian Mysteries and Rites - Google Books

Eleusinia - Oxford Reference

Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece Afterlife Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece Hades - Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece Burial Practices - Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece Death - Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece Cult of the Dead - Internet Archive

Rituals of Death and Dying in Modern and Ancient Greece - Google Books

Psyche: The Cult of Souls and the Belief in Immortality among the Greeks - Google Books

Ancient Greek funeral and burial practices - Wikipedia

Funeral oration (ancient Greece) - Wikipedia

The Oxford Classical Dictionary 3rd Edition Revised - Internet Archive

Internet Archive Search: Oxford Classical Dictionary and other Oxford References


Thanatos - Wikipedia

The Athenian Funeral Orations - Google Books

Marriage to death: the conflation of wedding and funeral rituals in Greek tragedy: Rehm, Rush - Internet Archive

Hame, K. J. (2008). Female Control of Funeral Rites in Greek Tragedy: Klytaimestra, Medea, and Antigone. Classical Philology, 103(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1086/590091 https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/590091

Pierre Bonnechère, Le sacrifice humain en Grèce ancienne.
Le sacrifice humain en Grèce ancienne - Presses universitaires de Liège

Death, Ritual, and Belief: The Rhetoric of Funerary Rites - Douglas Davies - Google Books