Pre-U Classical Heritage CAIE

This subject is broken down into 34 topics in 8 modules:

  1. Greek and Roman Epic 3 topics
  2. Greek and Roman Drama 6 topics
  3. Greek and Roman Historiography 4 topics
  4. Greek and Roman Oratory 3 topics
  5. Greek and Roman Philosophy 5 topics
  6. Greek and Roman Satire and Novel 3 topics
  7. Greek and Roman Art and Architecture 6 topics
  8. Greek and Roman Religion and Mythology 4 topics
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  • 8
    modules
  • 34
    topics
  • 13,329
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Classical Heritage

Greek and Roman Epic

Homer's Iliad

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Homer's Iliad

**Basic Overview:

•** The Iliad is an epic poem by the ancient Greek poet Homer.

•** It is set during the Trojan War, the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by a coalition of Greek kingdoms.

•** It focuses on the Greek hero Achilles and his conflict with the Trojan prince Hector.

**Structure and Themes:

•** The Iliad doesn't cover the whole Trojan War; instead, it focuses on a short period of time in the ninth year of the war.

•** Central to the poem are ideas of heroism, fate, honour, and the wrath of the gods.

•** The Iliad is famous for its lengthy descriptions of heroic battles and vivid depictions of brutal warfare.

**Characters:

•** Achilles: The central character and greatest warrior of the Iliad, his anger and its results are central themes of the epic.

•** Hector: The greatest Trojan warrior, he is considered brave, noble, and devoted to his wife and country.

•** Agamemnon: The leader of the Greek forces, his argument with Achilles initiates the conflict that propels the plot of the Iliad.

•** Paris: A Trojan prince, his abduction of Helen sparks off the Trojan War.

•** Helen: The most beautiful woman in the world, her elopement with Paris causes the Trojan War.

•** Zeus, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite and other gods and goddesses: The gods play active roles in the Iliad, taking sides in the Trojan War and directly influencing the outcome.

**Notable Episodes:

•** Achilles’ Withdrawal: Achilles' withdrawal from battle is a key turning point. His absence from the battlefield leads to great losses for the Greeks.

•** Patroclus' Death: The death of Patroclus, Achilles' closest companion, prompts Achilles to return to battle to avenge him.

•** Hector’s Final Battle: The epic climaxes with a dramatic duel between Hector and Achilles.

•** Ransom of Hector’s body: The epic concludes with King Priam successfully pleading for the return of his son Hector’s body for proper burial.

Course material for Classical Heritage, module Greek and Roman Epic, topic Homer's Iliad

Classical Heritage

Greek and Roman Philosophy

Aristotle's Politics

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Aristotle's Politics

Aristotle’s Politics - Background

  • Aristotle's Politics is a seminal work in political philosophy, dating back to Ancient Greece.
  • Composed by renowned philosopher Aristotle, the writing expands on the nature of polis (city-state), citizenship, and the various types of constitutions.
  • The work builds upon Aristotle's earlier exploration in Nicomachean Ethics, providing a practical approach to attaining a virtuous and satisfying life.
  • Aristotle's Politics echoes his philosophy, "Man is by nature a political animal", suggesting that society and political organisation are ingrained aspects of human existence.

Concepts of State and Citizenship

  • Aristotle defines a state or polis as a community which strives for some good.
  • He claims that the state is natural, as man is naturally inclined to form associations.
  • Citizenship, according to Aristotle, is for those who can take part in deliberative or judicial administration.
  • Aristotle encourages active participation in politics, which he observes as how humans realise their potential.

Constitutions and Governments

  • Aristotle classifies constitutions into two broad categories: just (where rulers rule for the common good) and unjust (where rulers rule for personal gain).
  • The perverted forms of governance are Tyranny (corrupt Monarchy), Oligarchy (corrupt Aristocracy) and Democracy (corrupt Polity).
  • Democracy, as seen by Aristotle, has both merits and flaws.
  • Unlike Plato, Aristotle does appreciate certain aspects of Democracy. For instance, the collective wisdom of all, especially when concerted, can outweigh an individual's judgement.

The Middle Class and Mixed Constitution

  • Aristotle was a strong advocate of middle class dominance in political structures. This meant a mixed constitution, blending elements of both democracy and oligarchy.
  • A strong middle class prevents the excesses of both the rich and the poor and contributes to stability.
  • A mixed constitution, according to Aristotle, is the most stable and just form of government.

Slavery and Women

  • Aristotle's views on slavery reflect his time. He argues that some individuals are by nature slaves, and it benefits them to be in servitude.
  • His views on women are also steeped in patriarchal norms of his time. Women, while not fit for politics, are considered important for the maintenance of the household.

Practicality versus Idealism

  • Unlike Plato, Aristotle's political philosophy is less about seeking an ideal state and more about understanding the practical working of states.
  • Aristotle's approach in studying various existing states and constitutions to understand political philosophy highlights this practical perspective.
  • His realist approach to politics has had profound influence and continues to be studied in the realm of political philosophy.

Course material for Classical Heritage, module Greek and Roman Philosophy, topic Aristotle's Politics

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