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.
Mythology
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.
- Myth Introduction
- What Is Myth?
- Myth in Modern Life
- Need to Know Myths and Legends on Men and Women
- 5 Ages of Man
- 12 Labors of Hercules
- Fantastic Monsters
- Cannibals
- Creation Myths
- Hybrid Monsters - Chimera et al.
- Top Legendary Heroes
- Who's Who in Greek Legend?
- Myth vs. Religion
- Greek Mythology Stories About the Greek Gods and Heroes
- 9 Norse Worlds
- Norse Mythology
- Picture Gallery of Greek Mythology
- Myths for Children - Tanglewood Tales
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.
- Which Greek Goddess Are You?
- A to Z of the World's Gods and Goddesses
- Greek
- Roman
- Egyptian
- Mesopotamian
- Celtic
- Moon (Lunar)
Classics
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.
- Classical Writers
- Homer
- Presocratic Philosophy
- Tragedy Terminology
- Greek Theater
- Aeschylus
- Sophocles
- Euripides
- Ancient Poets
- Meter in Poetry
- Inscriptions
- Epigraphy and Papyrology
- Art in Greece vs. Rome
- Greek Art - Pottery
- Ancient Architecture
- Greek Medicine, Hippocrates, and the Humors
- Hippocratic Oath
Homer and Troy
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.
- The Life and Work of Homer
- Iliad Study Guide
- Odyssey Study Guides
- Quizzes on the Books of the Odyssey
- Trojan War People
- Women of the Trojan War
- Trojan War
- Labors of Aeneas
- Vergil (Virgil)
- Helen of Troy Basics
- Schliemann - Archaeologist of Troy
- Dorpfeld - Archaeologist of Troy
- The Epic Cycle
- Homeric Questions
Latin - Learning the Latin Language
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.
- Pronunciation
- Grammar
- Where Can I Find a Latin Translation of...?
- Latin Words & Expressions in English
- Latin FAQs
- Why Study Latin?
- Is Latin Easy?
- Latin Textbooks
- Harry Potter Latin
- Greek and Latin Confusing Pairs
- Why Latin Seems Odd to English Speakers
- Latin-Based Word of the Day
- Biography of Latin
- Latin Numbers
- The Cases of Nouns and Adjectives
Latin - Literature and Other Roman Writing
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
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.
