Download AS Exam Review-Heroes

Ancient Studies - Semester Exam Review - History - Rogers sections
1) The Greek Hero: How did the Concept Evolve? - What made each of these figures heroic?
For what qualities did they receive respect or admiration?
ACHILLES - Hero - Great warrior in Greece – respected for his strength, speed, skill, and
bravery – unsurpassed – defeated the best of the Trojans, Hector, in single combat – could rally
the Greeks in any battle – But he was an individual who played by his own rules – His RAGE
caused incalculable pain – both to the Trojans – and to the Greeks when he sat out from the fight
after the feud with Agamemnon – did not believe in the Greek cause – had no particular
grievance with the Trojans – he was just following his fate – a demi-god, he knew from his
mother Thetis that he was fated to live a long life in obscurity, or a shrt life full of glory – he
chose the GLORY
Achilles – Hero 1 ): Achilles, to this day, is a model to the concept of heroism. He is the greatest
warrior of his time, but is much more than a mercenary, due to his strong sense of honor. The
warlord lives for glory, and his many successes in combat allow him to experience it frequently.
Despite being fated to die, Achilles conducts his life with fearlessness even in the midst of his
deepest sorrows. He cares for his fellow Achaeans, and chooses to join them in war after the
death of his cousin, Patroclus. Achilles has a sense of respect which is shown when King Priam
beseeches him to return Hector’s body. As Homer describes him as “godlike,” Achilles is a hero
through the eyes of a Greek soldier in 1200 BC, as well as a modern day reader. 18/20
Achilles – Hero 2): Achilles (and his rage) are known for the incalculable pain they both brought
the Greeks, but Achilles is known for being a hero also. This heroic viewing of him started with
his constant fighting with Agamemnon. Although it doesn’t seem like just fighting with one man
could be a heroic act, he was looked up to because he was not just obeying orders. He was
always questioning Agamemnon's orders and not just automatically accepting them. People
found this respectable and to add to this he was godlike during battle. He was incredibly strong
and it was known that he almost couldn’t die. His victories were another thing that brought him
his heroic figure. Although sometimes letting his rage get the best of him, Achilles has been
considered a hero because of his ability to question authority and his strength in battle. 17/20
Achilles – Hero 3): Achilles the great war hero, was a demigod who was known for his rage in
battle. But like most people Achilles had pros and cons. Achilles' pros was that he had a lot of
skills in combat, and he respects his people fully. Like when Patroclus had died in combat in
Achilles' armor. Achilles was full with rage and was ready to smite the peoples who had killed
his bad friend. But he had one problem, he didn't like being ordered around. When Agamemnon
ordered him around during battle, he almost tried to kill him but luckily Athena stopped him.
Achilles who was a brave and noble hero can sometimes be of a jerk. 14/20
Achilles – Hero 4): Achilles was courageous and unbeatable on the battle field, and also had a
lot of pride. Despite his rage he was strong and godlike to many people, including Homer.
Achilles also has a soft side and was very courageous, fearless and was one of the best fighters of
this time period. He was also respected by many people and would fight no matter what with no
fear of death. 13/20
ODYSSEUS – Hero – Respected and admired for his mind – great strategic insight – willing
and able to use deception and trickery – especially with the Trojan Horse – brought the fall of
Troy after ten years of fighting – he accomplished what Achilles could not – Very good with
words in any situation – a man of “twists and turns” – a good fighter, but known more for his
cleverness than his brawn – his men respected his authority, such as when he shut down
Thersites when he was complaining about the war – also famously used strategy and deception
against the Cyclops, Polyphemus
Odysseus – Hero 1): Odysseus displays many heroic characteristics in his appearances
throughout Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Being extremely gifted at strategy and always having a
well-thought out plan, Odysseus is well known by men and gods alike for his quietly prudent,
skeptical nature. This quality helps to establish him as a natural leader, as his brilliant and
creative ideas often distinguish him as a valuable and capable person. As a leader, he usually
puts the greater good first; a good example of this is when he refrains from telling his men about
the Scylla in order to save a fraction of them as opposed to losing them all. However, in the
Odyssey, Odysseus seems to suffer from a chronic arrogance. One minor flaw to Odysseus’
strategic mind which makes him less valuable to his army is that he often deceives his own crew
in order to carry out his plans, only keeping himself out of danger. Although Odysseus’
strategies seem to always lead to success, he often executes them in unconventional or
inconvenient ways, and his arrogance has affected their outcome on multiple occasions. 18/20
Odysseus – Hero 2): Odysseus is a man with a lot of strategy. He is seen as a hero for his great
war strategy in The Iliad. In The Iliad Odysseus has a small amount of flaws and is seen as one
of the most level-headed men for the Greeks. Although in The Odyssey, Odysseus has his fair
share of wrong-doings. Odysseus was not known for his great fighting abilities or for how strong
and brave he was. Odysseus is known for his war strategy and for his tricks. Odysseus is best
known for his use of the Trojan Horse. Odysseus came up with the idea to send a Trojan Horse to
the Trojans as an offering from the gods. When in reality, there were Greek Soldiers inside of the
horse and while the Trojans were having a party because they thought the won, the Greeks came
out and attacked them. While Odysseus was a great hero, he did have some great flaws. In The
Odyssey, Odysseus was on his journey back home from war. On his way back, he encountered a
few women that he would spend some time with even though his ever-faithful wife, Penelope
was at home waiting for his return. This might not have been a tragic flaw then, but it sure is a
tragic flaw now. Odysseus also had quite a hot-head in The Odyssey. Once, when Odysseus and
his crew barely escaped Polyphemus the cyclops, he decided to call his name out and
Polyphemus prayed to his father Poseidon that Odysseus and his crew never make it home.
While Odysseus might have been a man of strategy, he was also the man of agitation. 18/20
Odysseus – Hero 3): Odysseus is one of the great Greek heroes with many pieces of literature
speaking of his greatness. He is not known for his overwhelming might in combat but instead his
overwhelming mind power. Homer uses epithets like “the master strategist” to describe him. One
of his most daring feats is when he tricked the Trojans into bringing in the wooden horse with all
of the Greek warriors that lead to the collapse of Troy. He also demonstrates his superior tactics
when he tricks the Cyclopes on his journey home. Also in this seen we get to see his fatal flaw,
pride. He is shown time and time again to be very proud and greedy being his only downfall.
17/20
Odysseus – Hero 4): Unlike most of the heroes, Odysseus was respected and admired by his
strategy and words. His words and strategy help himself at difficult situations such as the Trojan
war or Polyphemus' cave. In The Iliad by Homer, he was the one who ended the long-lasting
war by using the strategy of ‘Trojan Horse’. Everyone cheered for his wisdom and verbal
strength. In The Odyssey by Homer, on his way back to Ithaca, he faces a lot of different
obstacles. He was very successful at using words and acts very smart and overcomes the obstacle.
However, he had some flaws. He had one shortcoming which was being careless. He told
Polyphemus his name and get asleep at important moments. Other than that, he was a wise and
smart Greek Hero. 17/20
Odysseus – Hero 5): Odysseus was the brave king of Ithaca, the man of many twists and turns.
He was known for being a master strategist in combat. One example of this was when he used
the Trojan horse to trick the Trojans into letting all the Greeks invade. They were let in
unknowingly since they hid inside the Trojan horse. Odysseus had both good and bad qualities.
Some good qualities given to the character Odysseus was the fact that he was a strategist and
loyal. Many people saw him as a loyal being for relentlessly trying to get back to his wife,
Penelope. Even though he does sleep around with many women along the way, Penelope is his
main priority through it all. Some of his bad qualities would include being arrogant and selfish.
One example is when he doesn’t tell anyone about the Scylla when at sea. Even though it saved
their lives (more than if he had told them) it still didn’t give him the right to withhold that kind of
important information. So he does possess both positive and negative qualities and all in all is
seen as a likeable character to the Gods (except Poseidon.) 18/20
THEMISTOCLES – Hero (See ASG 31-35 for bio – Many of these entries repeat about
Themistocles being criticized for appealing to Sparta for help – Distinguish between the battle
Marathon in 490 and the battle of Salamis in 480 – the latter was where Themistocles made his
greatest contribution. Key item to include: The Wooden Wall – and the interpretation of the
Oracle)
Themistocles – Hero - 1: Themistocles is considered an Athenian hero with a high intellect . He
was able to think ahead and it allowed him to perceive that naval power would be the key to
success. His ability to persuade others had allowed him to build naval forces in Athens which
eventually led to a victory at Battle of Marathon and Salamis, and provided many advantages to
Athens, such as economic power. More importantly, he cared for those who were poor and weak.
He spoke for lower classes mainly made up of poorer urban craftsmen and it allowed him to gain
favour from them which helped him to become the greatest politician. 17/20
Themistocles – Hero -2): Themistocles was thought of as a hero who was also an exceptional
thinker. He was a general in Athens. He was considered one of the greatest in Athens.
Themistocles was a populist and was favored by the lower class. He was elected Archon in 493
BC. Themistocles fought in the battle of Salamis, he was a general in the war. They won because
of Themistocles battle strategy and the help of the triremes Themistocles idea for the triremes
were a major turning point for Athens. After (be careful with chronology – he realized the need
for ships after the victory at Marathon but before the second Persian invasion in 480)
Themistocles defeated the Persians he realized Athens navy needed to be a lot stronger. He
decided to make 200 triremes. In his arrogance of deciding to let Sparta help Athens (NO – he
welcomed help from Sparta) he was ostracized and exiled. 15/20
Themistocles – Hero - 3): Themistocles was a general and statesman that had the idea to make
an Athenian navy to defend themselves against the Persians. Themistocles knew that an Athenian
navy would be a goal to focus on because naval fighting was the Persian’s weakness.
Themistocles took the role of a hero for Athens because he wanted them to have a successful
battle against the Persians. After the Athenian navy was finished, Themistocles led Athens into a
battle against Persia which ended successfully. The success of the naval battle against Persia
made Athens’ confidence go up, and lead them to believe that they were stronger. Themistocles
can be recognized as a hero because he was the center of accomplishment of this particular event.
15/20
Themistocles – Hero – 4): Themistocles is still known today as one of the greatest politicians
and generals in Greek history. Themistocles was known to be a populist, a democratic politician
who was in favor of lower and upper class citizens. Themistocles fought and was a general in the
Battle of Marathon (fought as a regular hoplite soldier) and Salamis (led as a general), making
him one of the most famous politicians in history. He focused on improving the navy and made
the crucial decision of building 200 triremes. However, after the battle of Salamis he asked that
Sparta protected Athens, and this arrogance did not make him popular with the Athenians
(Clarify this – he welcomed Spartan help to defend Greece against the Persian invasion) He was
later ostracized and exiled. 16/20
Themistocles – Hero – 5): Themistocles is an Athenian hero with great intelligence and
strategies. He raised to power from the lower class and gained people’s favor. He played a
significant role in the defeat of the Persians. His foresight let him realized that Athenians need to
develop its navy force, and he persuaded the Athenians to build 200 triremes. After, he was the
general in the Battle of Salamis and Marathon (no – he was only a hoplite soldier then). With the
help of the triremes and his strategies, the Athenians defeated the Persians. And as the navy force
became stronger and stronger, Athens’ military dominance built up its political dominance,
Athens started to play the role of a leader. However, later he asked the Spartans to protect the
Athenians, which made him unpopular among the Athenians (No – clarify this). He went to exile
at the end. 16/20
PERICLES – Hero (These responses do not really address Pericles as a heroic leader – look
more carefully at WW 24-30 on Pericles the Politician. Also see his biography: ASG 36-39. But
you might be better steering clear of this one unless you have confidence in what you are saying)
Pericles – Hero 1): Pericles brought Athens to its peak. He was leader during the Golden Age in
Athens. He ordered construction for the beautiful architecture during the Golden Age including
the Parthenon. He put his ideas into action even when critics thought he was spending too much
money. Pericles not only created a beautiful empire for Athens, but he gave his famous Funeral
Oration. His Funeral Oration was for those who had died in the war. Pericles brought Culture to
Athens and helped guide the Athenians in war. 16/20
Pericles – Hero 2): Pericles is a hero because of his contributions to his state. He made Athens a
massive, powerful empire . He is considered a hero because he left his mark and made his state
better as a whole. He built the Parthenon and created the whole naval empire of Athens. He made
Athens wealthy, and made the democracy even more radical. Even though his decision to fight in
the Trojan war (NO – The Peloponnesian War!) led to Athens' downfall, he is the reason that
Athens had something to fall down from. His contributions to his state were so great that he
became another version of a hero, someone who serves his state and makes it better
wholeheartedly. 16/20
Pericles – Hero 3): Pericles was the leader during the Golden Age in Athens. With the help of
Athenians and there allies, Pericles created the Delian League. This a military alliance focused
on protecting Greece from Persia's threats. Pericles also created the Parthenon, a magnificent
temple built for Athena. This building, to this day, is considered one of the most significant
accomplishments of the ancient world. While the temple was under construction, critics argued
Pericles was wasting money and spending too much of it while it could be spent on the
navy/military. Under Pericles' leadership, the city of Athens prospered and developed greatly
with their trade and Democracy. 17/20
Pericles – Hero 4): Pericles innovative ideas and plans made him the heroic man he was. He
lead Athens during their golden age, which was the time when Athens was better off. In Athens,
he would always face his challenges with a positive attitude. He made smart political changes
and elegant architectural designs. Many theories and plans made by him are still strongly looked
upon to this day. made by He stayed a step ahead of the game which led to his revolutionary
deeds that have made him a heroic figure. 14/20
Pericles – Hero 5): Pericles helped to build Athens up from the ground, and he made the city
great. He led Athens during the Golden Age. He ordered the building of a temple for the goddess,
Athena, called the Parthenon. One thing that made Pericles seem so powerful was the fact that he
did what he thought was right, even when his critics said that it was wrong. He also is known for
his great speech, The Funeral Oration. It was a speech that commemorated the soldiers that had
already died in battle. This act shows his kindness and his honor. Pericles led the Athenians and
their city into war, and to success. 16/20
SOCRATES – Hero See ASG 26, quote from Alexander Nehamas about a “new kind of hero”
- emphasizes reason and critical thought – not military glory or strength, or wealth or power –
but philosophy, learning, and the pursuit of wisdom– Emphasize his creation of a new “Empire
of the Mind” (ASG 19-27)
Socrates – Hero 1): Socrates is not the ideal hero by Greek standards. He did not exemplify
many of the qualities other heroes showed. In fact, he annoyed people in persisting to help them.
Though despite what his peers thought about, he is a role model. Socrates had always tried to not
only benefit himself, but the others around him. He showed honor, integrity and courage by
continuing to do the right thing and not changing his ways when people judged him. Eventually
Socrates carries his beliefs to his death bed, when he chooses right over wrong. 16/20
Socrates – Hero 2): Socrates, the man known for crazy assumptions and asking too many
questions, is known for being a Greek Hero. Socrates was described as the “wisest man in
Athens”. He did not feel that the oracle given to him was completely accurate. However, most
people started out with respect and admiration towards him. People soon realized that Socrates
was irritating and the civilians showed less and less respect towards him. Socrates was known for
his wisdom in Athens and people showed respect towards him for having that characteristic.
15/20
Socrates – Hero 3): Socrates, A very unconventional man, was a Greek Hero unlike any other.
He denied the Oracle when they proclaimed that he was the wisest man in Athens. He would
walk the streets of Athens barefoot and would go without showering for days. He would question
every man in Athens to test how wise they actually were. All this to better the city he lived in
and to get the citizens of Athens thinking. Socrates soon became very hated and even was
considered annoying amongst the citizens of Athens. Not only because he would argue with
everyone but also because most of the time, he was right. He was a Hero because even though all
of Athens was against him, he stood his ground and never even gave in to the fear of death.
Mostly because he did not fear death and what was to come because he did not know what was
to come. This wisdom and courage that Socrates possessed is what defined him as a Greek Hero
unlike any other. 17/20
Socrates – Hero 4): Socrates was one of the greatest heroes in Greek history. Contrary to
traditionally celebrated war heroes, Socrates was condemned to death by his own people. Yet, he
was still a hero as he was one of the first people in Athens who would stand his ground facing
threats of death and would sacrifice himself for a bigger cause of saving the common Athenians’
souls. He tried to spread his ideas about truth and questioning assumptions to more people even
at the cost of his life and did not even try to avoid the unjustified consequences just to show that
the sentences brought forth by the Jury should be respected and needs to enforced. He served as
martyr who died for a bigger good standing his ground spreading the truth he believed in and
was celebrated for hundreds of years after his death. 17/20
LEONIDAS – Hero (Go back to the transcript of the Hughes video on Sparta, ASG 54-56, 4849 – the Spartan concept of a “beautiful death” and the pursuit of perfection is key – emphasize
obedience and sacrifice – note the contrast with the individualism of Achilles – Thermopylae
was 480 BC)
Leonidas – Hero 1): Leonidas was a Spartan king. He is famous for the Battle of Thermopylae.
His 300 soldiers took on a Persian army ten times bigger than they were. Leonidas was hero with
courage. He led the charge against the Persians and he and his Spartans were not going to stop
until they were all dead or the Persians were. Leonidas and his Spartans were looking for
something better than you could ever receive while living. They were striving for a "beautiful
death." Thermopylae was one of the first times that the Greeks realized that they had a chance
against Persia. It gave them hope. 16/20
Leonidas – Hero 2): I think that king Leonidas was one of the greatest heroes of ancient
Greece. He exhibits characteristics of valor, selflessness, and courage. He led 300 Spartan
soldiers in the battle of Thermopylae against the Persians military force that was over ten times
stronger than them. Leonidas sacrificed his life so he could save hundreds of others and buy
more time for the Athenians to gather themselves and prepare for battle. 14/20
Leonidas – Hero 3): Leonidas was the king who led three hundred Spartan to the Thermopylae.
He was known as a hero because of the following three reasons. First, he was willing to fight and
die honorably for his country and his people. They defended the freedom of Sparta as well as the
freedom of Greece. He was not afraid to die, in fact, he was ready to die for something right.
More than that, this battle of Thermopylae inspired the people of Greece. After they heard the
death of Leonidas and three hundred warriors, people from every states, they all united and
against a common enemy, the Persian Empire. Thirdly, strategically, this action of Leonidas was
a perfect move for his fellow countrymen Athens. The three hundred warriors of Leonidas stalled
the Persian army for a week. This move gave Athens more time in order to prepare the fleet and
the people to against their enemy. 17/20
Leonidas – Hero 4): Leonidas held the pass at Thermopylae with 300 other Spartan soldiers and
turned the war against Persia in Greece's favor while showing Persia what the Greek soldiers can
do. The 300 Spartan soldiers along with Leonidas had defended the freedom of almost the entire
Balkan peninsula. If Leonidas had not led these soldiers into battle, Greece may be completely
different than how we know it today. The Spartan suicide force was outnumbered many times
over but still managed to defeat the entire Persian force (Nope– not true). These soldiers
sacrificed their lives to accomplish this, and it is definitely a shame that Greece was split into
two different groups later in the country's timeline. 17/20