The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece, Volume 2 (of 3)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

67637

Title

The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece, Volume 2 (of 3)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

James Augustus St. John offers a detailed exploration of daily life in ancient Greece, covering marriage customs, domestic architecture, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Drawing on classical sources like Homer and Xenophon, this volume illuminates the social structures, culinary practices, and rural traditions of the era.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume II of James Augustus St. John's *The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece* offers a comprehensive reconstruction of intimate domestic and rural life in antiquity. The text begins by examining the solemnity of marriage ceremonies and the specific social condition of married women, followed by a detailed survey of household aesthetics, including furniture, dress, and personal ornaments. The narrative then transitions to the culinary practices of Homeric times, describing the preparation of meat, fish, and wine, as well as the elaborate entertainments that defined Greek social gatherings. A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the theatre, exploring its cultural significance and structural evolution. St. John provides an extensive study of rural life, detailing the management of villas, gardens, vineyards, and farms. He meticulously reconstructs ancient agricultural and pastoral methods, covering the breeding of various animals such as geese, ducks, peacocks, horses, and sheep. The author delves into specific dietary regimens for fattening poultry, noting the importation of fine livestock breeds from regions like Spain, Egypt, and the Black Sea. Special reverence is accorded to horses, which were rarely used for agriculture but were instead bred for the army, religious processions, and chariot races. The text highlights the high value placed on equine beauty and the custom of sacrificing horses to the gods. Further chapters address the shearing of sheep, the dangers posed by wolves, and the intricate processes of animal husbandry. Throughout the work, St. John integrates citations from ancient authorities, including Homer, Xenophon, and Pliny, to validate his descriptions. By weaving together practical realities with cultural nuances, the volume paints a rich, textured picture of the ancient Greek household and countryside, bridging the gap between literary ideals and the daily lives of the Greeks.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• History