In the brilliant dawn of Greek lyric poetry, when words were wedded to music and dance in elaborate public performances, one voice soared above all others with such power and sublimity that ancient critics called him simply "the poet." Pindar of Thebes, born around 518 BC in the village of Cynoscephalae near the great Boeotian city, would become the most celebrated lyric poet of classical antiquity, his verses preser…
“Man is a shadow's dream. Yet when a ray of sunshine comes given by God, a bright light rests on men and life is sweet.”
Neighbourhood:
Ancient & Classical Poets, Classical & Ancient Poets, Death & Mortality, Greek Poets, Poet-Musicians
Emotional landscape: Spirituality, Wonder, Joy
In the landscape of ancient Greek poetry, few figures present as fascinating a paradox as Theognis of Megara. A poet whose verses have endured for over two and a half millennia, yet whose life remains shrouded in uncertainty and scholarly debate. The collection of elegiac poetry attributed to him—comprising approximately 1,400 lines—represents one of the most substantial surviving bodies of archaic Greek elegiac vers…
“The best of all things for earthly men is not to be born and not to see the beams of the bright sun; but if born, then as quickly as possible to pass the gates of Hades.”
Neighbourhood:
Ancient & Classical Poets, Classical & Ancient Poets, Greek Poets, Love Poets, Political Poets, Social Justice Poets
Emotional landscape: Sorrow, Despair, Longing
