Greek literature
Origins and Ancient Literature
Greek literature dates back from the ancient Greek period, beginning in 800 BC with the epic poetry of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. These epic poems are the earliest known works of Greek literature. They were orally transmitted and later written down during the Classical period.
The Classical period (5th-4th centuries BC) was a golden age of Greek literature. During this time, drama developed as a distinct genre with the works of playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides in tragedy, and Aristophanes in comedy.
The philosophical works of Plato and Aristotle also emerged during this period, shaping Western philosophical thought. The historical accounts of Herodotus and Thucydides are considered foundational texts in the field of history.
Hellenistic Period
The Hellenistic period (323-31 BC) followed the death of Alexander the Great. Greek literature continued to flourish, with a focus on scholarship and the sciences. The epic poetry of Apollonius of Rhodes, the pastoral poetry of Theocritus, and the advancements in astronomy, geography, and biology by scholars such as Eratosthenes and Archimedes are notable contributions of this period.
Roman Period
During the Roman period (31 BC-AD 395), Greek literature was largely written by Greek-speaking authors living in the Roman Empire. The New Testament of the Christian Bible, written in Greek, is a significant literary work of this period. The Greek novels, such as "Callirhoe" by Chariton and "Aethiopica" by Heliodorus, also emerged during this time.
Byzantine Literature
The Byzantine period (AD 395-1453) saw the preservation of many ancient Greek texts and the creation of many new works, particularly in the field of history. The historian Procopius and the essayist Anna Komnene are notable authors of this period.
Modern Greek Literature
Modern Greek literature (AD 1453-present) is written in the Modern Greek language, following the fall of the Byzantine Empire. This period saw the emergence of notable authors such as Nikos Kazantzakis, C.P. Cavafy, and George Seferis, the latter of whom won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963.
Influence on Western Literature
Greek literature has had a profound impact on Western literature. The genres of tragedy and comedy, developed in ancient Greece, are still used today. The philosophical works of Plato and Aristotle have shaped Western philosophical thought. The epic poems of Homer have been widely translated and are still read today.
