The Bible and Classical Literature: Origins and Evolution
The Bible was written primarily in Hebrew, with some portions in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek. The transmission of the Bible initially relied on oral tradition before being written down. This process began around the time of King David and Solomon. Several authors, writing styles, and periods contributed to the final text. The Old Testament was largely completed by the 1st century BC.
Genesis explains the creation of the universe by God as a triumph of order against chaos, culminating in the creation of man and woman.
Ionic-Doric Period
The Ionic-Doric period spanned from the 9th century BC to the beginning of the 4th century BC. Limited information exists about the emergence of Greek literature during this time. Ionian texts, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, have been preserved. Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were prominent tragedians. Philosophical thought was advanced by Plato and Aristotle.
Hellenistic Period
During the Hellenistic period, Athens’ hegemony shifted to Alexandria under the rule of the Ptolemies, followed by Roman and Byzantine influence. The decline of Greek literature occurred from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, as Latin gradually replaced Greek as the dominant cultural language, although significant Greek works continued to be written.
Mythical Fabulation
A significant contribution of Greco-Classical literature is its mythical fabulation, a collection of stories about gods, heroes, and human protagonists engaged in epic adventures. These myths were shaped by the religious beliefs of ancient Greece and the contributions of poets throughout history. The muses are expressed as mythological ideas of that era. Homer’s Odyssey is an epic poem that narrates Ulysses’ adventures in 24 songs after the Trojan War. The narrative focuses on three core elements: Telemachus’ adolescence, Ulysses’ travels, and his return to Ithaca. It is considered one of the most beautiful poems ever written.
Tragedy
Tragedy, originating from rites of worship, explores life and human destiny through poems. Tragedy presents a conflict that can be resolved either through annihilation or by restoring order.
Latin Literature (3rd Century BC)
Latin literature emerged in imitation of Greek literature. The conquest of Magna Graecia was important. Epic poetry and comedy, exemplified by Plautus, flourished. Satire was born with Ennius, and prose with Cato the Elder. In the late 2nd century BC, poetry assimilated Alexandrian influences, and scholarly prose developed.
Classical Literature (Augustan Age, 1st Century BC)
Latin literature reached its peak during the Augustan Age, thanks to the cultivation of literary arts during Emperor Augustus’ reign and the patronage of the arts by nobles. Claudian literature emphasized declamation and rhetoric in the 1st century AD. Seneca and Quintilian produced outstanding educational and philosophical works. Poetry occupied a less prominent position, while history developed, and satire, exemplified by Martial, adopted a realistic tone.
Decline of Latin Literature (2nd Century AD)
The decline of Latin literature began in the 2nd century AD, coinciding with the rise of Christianity and the literary works of the Church Fathers. Virgil, Horace, and Ovid represented classicism. The fusion of Greek literary elements with Roman themes generated common themes in later literature. Renaissance Classicism revived and developed themes such as carpe diem, ubi sunt, beatus ille, and locus amoenus.
Ovid
Ovid, belonging to the noble class, traveled to Greece before pursuing a judicial career to please his father. A refined observer and friend of Horace, Ovid was exiled by Augustus to Tomis in 8 AD for unknown reasons. He wrote erotic poetry, including Amores and Ars Amatoria, as well as Fasti and Metamorphoses, the latter representing a significant contribution to the tradition of Greek myth.