The book offers the first comprehensive account of the debate on true courage as it was raging in ancient Greece, from the times when the immensely influential Homeric epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey, were composed, to the period of the equally influential author, Aristotle. The many voices that contribute to this debate include poets, authors of ancient dramas and comedies, historians, politicians and philosophers. The book traces the origin of the earliest ideal of a courageous hero in the epic poems of Homer (8th century BCE), and faithfully records its transformations in later authors, which range from an emphatic denial of the Homeric standards of courage (as in comedies of Aristophanes and some Dialogues of Plato) to the strong revisionist tendencies of Aristotle, who attempts to restore genuine courage to its traditional place as an exclusively martial, male virtue. Without attempting to cover the whole of the Western history, the book is able to explore the most important primary Greek sources on the subject matter in greater details, and provide the reader with a comprehensive picture of the changes in both popular and philosophical conceptualizations of the standards of courage from the Archaic period to the middle of the 4th century BCE. A deeper understanding of the history of the debate on courage should help to shape the modern discussions as well, as it becomes obvious that many of the questions on courage and cowardice that are still raised by the contemporary authors from different fields, have been thoroughly considered during the early stages of Greek culture. The book seeks to undermine a common stereotype of a single, unified view on courage and cowardice in Ancient Greece and shows that the current debates on what constitutes genuine courageous character can be traced to the various direct and indirect discussions on this subject matter by the ancient authorities.

Few of us spend much time thinking about courage, but we know it when we see it--or do we? Is it best displayed by marching into danger, making the charge, or by resisting, enduring without complaint? Is it physical or moral, or both? Is it fearless, or does it involve subduing fear? Abner Small, a Civil War soldier, was puzzled by what he called the "mystery of bravery"; to him, courage and cowardice seemed strangely divorced from character and will. It is this mystery, just as puzzling in our day, that William Ian Miller unravels in this engrossing meditation. Miller culls sources as varied as soldiers' memoirs, heroic and romantic literature, and philosophical discussions to get to the heart of courage--and to expose its role in generating the central anxieties of masculinity and manhood. He probes the link between courage and fear, and explores the connection between bravery and seemingly related states: rashness, stubbornness, madness, cruelty, fury; pride and fear of disgrace; and the authority and experience that minimize fear. By turns witty and moving, inquisitive and critical, his inquiry takes us from ancient Greece to medieval Europe, to the American Civil War, to the Great War and Vietnam, with sidetrips to the schoolyard, the bedroom, and the restaurant. Whether consulting Aristotle or private soldiers, Miller elicits consistently compelling insights into a condition as endlessly interesting as it is elusive.

Silently and with purpose the two emissaries from the East moved up the steep, rocky mountain path. They quickly moved towards their destination carrying rich gifts as well as a message in the form of a question to the most sacred oracle in all of ancient Greece. The results of this meeting would have some profound effects upon the rest of history. History can teach us many things, but most importantly it should show us a new way of looking at the problems of today so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Here are stories from out past that are exciting, entertaining, and full of adventure. These stories are also full of courage and bravery and include mysterious Wisemen, mystical dreams, breathtaking daring-do, and, perhaps, some ideas to contemplate. We will tell about how the ancient Greeks rallied themselves and decided to defend their newfound freedom and democracy against the much larger invading force from Persia. We will describe the battles that they won and lost. We will also tell about how Alexander-the-Great took the war to Persia in order to bring back the treasures that had been stolen from Greece.

This volume examines issues of courage and manliness in the ancient world. Taking the Greek concept of Andreia as its starting-point, it sheds new light on the contruction of cultural identity, and the use of value terms in that process.

Good Press presents you the greatest works of ancient Greek literature. The selection of books is based on Yale Department of Classics required reading list. Originally designed for students, this exceptional collection will benefit greatly everyone curious about the history, language, and literary and material culture of ancient Greece. Ancient Greek literature has had a profound impact on western literature at large. In particular, many ancient Roman authors drew inspiration from their Greek predecessors. Ever since the Renaissance, European authors in general, including Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, John Milton, and James Joyce, have all drawn heavily on classical themes and motifs. This collection is a compound of ancient Greek wisdom, presenting all the major works of every genre of Greek literature. Ultimately, it will train you to develop powers of critical analysis by studying the important periods and major authors of Greek literature. By studying the art, history, and cultures of the ancient world you will gain the power to illuminate problems confronting contemporary society. Homer: Introduction Iliad Odyssey Homeric Hymns Hesiod: Introduction Works and Days Theogony Greek Lyric Poetry: Archilochus Alcaeus Sappho Alcman Anacreon Theognis of Megara Simonides of Ceos Bacchylides Pindar The Oresteia (Aeschylus): The Life and Work of Aeschylus Agamemnon The Choephori (The Libation-Bearers) Eumenides The Tragedies of Sophocles: The Life and Work of Sophocles Ajax Antigone Oedipus at Colonus The Tragedies of Euripides: The Life and Work of Euripides Medea Hippolytus Bacchae The Comedies of Aristophanes: The Life and Work of Aristophanes Frogs Birds Lysistrata Herodotus: The Life and Work of Herodotus The Histories Thucydides: The Life and Work of Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War Plato: The Life and Work of Plato Republic The Apology of Socrates (Plato) Symposium (Plato) Phaedo (Plato) Aristotle: The Life and Work of Aristotle Poetics Politics Nicomachean Ethics The Orations of Lysias The Philippics (Demosthenes) Argonautica (Apollonius) Hymns of Callimachus The Idylls of Theocritus The Rise and Fall of Greek Supremasy (Plutarch): The Life and Work of Plutarch Biographies: Theseus Solon Themistocles Aristides Cimon Pericles Nicias Alcibiades Phocion Demosthenes Epictetus: The Enchiridion

An examination into two of the most important activities undertaken by the Normans.

With fresh, new translations and extensive introductions and annotations, this sourcebook provides an inclusive and integrated view of Greek history, from Homer to Alexander the Great. New translations of original sources are contextualized by insightful introductions and annotations Includes a range of literary, artistic and material evidence from the Homeric, Archaic and Classical Ages Focuses on important developments as well as specific themes to create an integrated perspective on the period Links the political and social history of the Greeks to their intellectual accomplishments Includes an up-to-date bibliography of seminal scholarship An accompanying website offers additional evidence and explanations, as well as links to useful online resources