History of Greece, Volume 01 (of 12)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

56342

Title

History of Greece, Volume 01 (of 12)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Grote's monumental history rectifies earlier accounts of ancient Hellas, distinguishing between the age of epic legend and verified historical fact. Written with scholarly candor, this volume explores Greek mythology as a reflection of early human imagination while rigorously analyzing political and social developments from the first Olympiad to Peisistratus.

Summary up to 500 words

In this foundational volume of his twelve-volume history, George Grote undertakes the ambitious task of reconstructing the true character of ancient Greece, separating the realm of poetic faith from the emerging age of historical reason. Grote begins by addressing the inherent limitations of his source material; he argues that for centuries prior to 776 B.C., Greek history exists only as a shadowy veil of legend and epic poetry, which he treats not as falsified facts but as the genuine mental landscape of the early Greeks. He justifies his decision to commence the 'real' history at the first Olympiad, noting that credible evidence for earlier eras is irrecoverably lost to time and barbarian conquest. The text delves deeply into the nature of Greek mythology, contrasting it with the mythical traditions of modern Europe and ancient Germany. Grote posits that while Germanic myths were violently suppressed by Christianity and foreign influence, Greek mythology evolved organically within the Hellenic mind. He illustrates how these legends served as a vital stimulus for art, architecture, and civic identity, with statues and temples physically embodying divine presence to reinforce public belief. The narrative examines the transition from the 'mythical' age of Homer to the 'historical' age of Thucydides and Aristotle, highlighting how Greek intellect spontaneously moved toward rational inquiry without breaking its patriotic or religious traditions. Grote provides a comprehensive overview of Legendary Greece, analyzing the Homeric poems as primary sources for understanding the society and manners of the heroic age. He critically evaluates the Wolfian controversy regarding the composition of the Iliad and offers his own speculations on its structure. The volume then moves into Historical Greece, starting with geographical features and the state of the nation at 776 B.C. Grote focuses heavily on Sparta and the Peloponnesian Dorians, acknowledging that space constraints prevent a full coverage of all Greek states up to the age of Peisistratus and Croesus. Throughout the work, Grote maintains a tone of intellectual honesty, frequently confessing ignorance where evidence is insufficient rather than fabricating certainty. He praises his predecessor, Dr. Thirlwall, for his liberal spirit while distinguishing his own approach: Grote seeks to present the spontaneous movement of Grecian intellect and the unique social system that protected freemen while stimulating genius. The book serves as both a corrective to previous erroneous statements and a model of how to handle scanty evidence with rigorous yet indulgent criteria, aiming to illuminate the Hellenic mind for posterity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History