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Myth & Classics

By N.S. Gill, About.com Guide to Ancient / Classical History

The Classical civilizations of Greece and Rome introduced the world to structural and cultural wonders. We are privileged to have as many artifacts, concepts, and works of literature as we do, although most has been lost. The languages of the ancient Greeks and Romans are still useful, but require special study since they aren't spoken, at least as the native tongue of an area.

  1. Mythology
  2. Gods and Goddesses
  3. Classics
  4. Homer and Troy
  1. Latin - Learning the Latin Language
  2. Latin - Literature and Other Roman Writing
  3. Glossary
  4. Philosophy

Mythology

Aphrodite by Boticelli

What we mean by mythology is subject to discussion. For the purposes of this site, it is used to cover religions with multiple gods and the stories about the involvement of the gods in the life of humans. Usually, it refers to Greek mythology and the Roman retellings of the ancient Greek myths.

Gods and Goddesses

Here are lists of ancient gods and goddesses from around the world. You'll also find lists of certain specialties, including moon goddesses and gods, deities connected with war, and solar gods and goddesses. In general, although there are exceptions, the moon has more goddesses and the sun more associated gods, but don't just assume the deity's gender.

Classics

Socrates

Classics includes the language, culture, and art of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Here you'll find information on the classical languages, literature, philosophy, art, architecture, and science.

Homer and Troy

Trojan Horse

Information on Homer, the name credited with the creation of the epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, as well as information on the Trojan War, mostly from Greek mythology.

Latin - Learning the Latin Language

Latin for Americans

Here you will find many tips and other resources to help you with your outside study of Latin. Since Latin is different from modern, spoken languages, there are special concerns you may not be aware of. You'll find suggestions on what you need in order to obtain a translation of either English into Latin or Latin into English.

Latin - Literature and Other Roman Writing

Virgil Reading Aeneid, Book VI, to Augustus and Octavia, by Jean-Joseph Taillasson (1745-1809)

Once you can translate a bit of Latin, you will probably want to read some Latin. The body of Classical Latin is small enough that you could get through it if you wanted to. Here you will find articles about Latin and its writing and literature that go beyond learning the grammar.

Glossary

The main glossary is the place for the most basic information on names in ancient/classical history. There are also specialized glossaries for topics like Egypt and the Qumran.

Philosophy

Socrates

The Greeks are credited with inventing philosophy as an alternative to the mythological, gods-based conception of the world around them. Philosophy had ethical as well as natural science components. Sometimes politics and philosophy went hand-in-hand; other times, they were at odds.

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