Arts in Greece:

The ideas of democratic government that developed in Athens are one important part of heritage from
ancient Greece. Western traditions in art, architecture, and literature also began with brilliant
achievements made in Greece in the golden age. What Pericles said of Athens 2,400 years ago was in
fact true. “Future ages will wonder at us the present age wonders now.”

Poets express Greek ideals. Poetry played an important part in expressing Greek view of life.
Homer’s epics were a basic part of a Greek’s upbringing. Homer was a blind poet who lived in Asia
Minor. His two great epics, the Iliad and Odyssey, helped to shape Greek outlook and character.

Poems also were written to honor victors in athletic games and heroes killed in battle. One of
the most famous writers of such poems was Pindar, who lived in the fifth century B.C. In one of his
poems for a winning athlete, Pindar wrote, “Success, for the striver, washes away the effort of striving.”

Another outstanding early Greek poet was Sappho, who was born about 600 B.C. She
established a school of music and singing for wealthy young women. Many of her poems are about
friendship and love, like the following poem to her daughter.

I have a child; so fair

As golden flowers is she,

My Cleis, all my care.

I’d not give her away

For the kingdom of Lydia;

Nor lands men long to see.

Poetry develops into drama. Greek poetry was an important part of religious festivals. Dancers
and singers took part and poems were chanted by a group of performers called chorus. These
performances gradually developed into plays.