Craig Burton
October 16, 2003
HUM2211, Section 15
407 words
Chapter 4
1. The geography of the Aegean influenced its civilizations by having them survive by
the sea and the civilizations were very marine in nature. The difference in aggressiveness
between the Minoans and the Mycenaeans can be explained by their chances of
encountering other people whom may be an aggressor towards them.
2. Achilles differs from Gilgamesh as an epic hero because Achilles is more emotional as
a human than as a God. Although they were both part-man and part-god Achilles is more
in touch with human emotions than Gilgamesh was. Achilles is immortal and is not
concerned with life after death the way Gilgamesh was.
3. The Iliad is a typical story of heroism and Greek mythology. They key characters are
the half-man half-god Achilles, the commander Agamemnon, and the warrior Hector.
4. Achilles expresses many human emotions during his encounter with Priam. Achilles is
forgiving and understanding of the death of Priam’s final son Hector. Achilles also
shows much respect for Priam’s bravery and will. Achilles personality is one of an
unstable person with many emotions, including grief and respect.
5. Perciles was a government man supporting democracy in Athens in the 400s BC. The
theme of Perciles’ funeral speech is that of praises what Perciles did for the Athenian
government system. “Athens is the school of Hellas,” represents the Athenian
characteristic of being able to adapt to many situations in Greece and the integrity of the
people within Athens.
6. The fifth century BC in Athens is referred to as the Golden Age because of the great
strides in achievement during the time. The time was very innovative in terms of art,
technology, and philosophy in Athens.
Burton 2
Reaction:
My Greek goddess would probably be Athena, also known as her Roman name of
Minerva. The reason Athena would be my goddess is because she represents wisdom,
which many of my friends do as well. People come to me for advice periodically and I
am always willing to take the approach which leads to the best results. I see myself as
being a wise person, yet I also seem to be one that supports war. I understand that war is
a necessary approach to right the wrong sometimes, and more often than not I will
support war; Athena also happens to be the goddess of war. The story behind Athena, is
that her symbol is the owl, and she was given to birth by Zeus.