Homer

Homer (possibly born c. 8th century BCE) is credited with authoring the Iliad and the Odyssey - two epic poems that form the foundation of ancient Greek literature. Despite scholarly debates about his existence and authorship, Homer remains one of history's most influential literary figures.

The Iliad centers on the conflict between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the final year of the Trojan War, while the Odyssey follows Odysseus's ten-year journey home to Ithaca after Troy's fall. Both epics portray human struggle against fate and divine will, with the Odyssey particularly showing Odysseus enduring divine punishment throughout his voyage.

These works were composed in Homeric Greek, a literary language blending different Greek dialects, primarily Eastern Ionic with Aeolic elements. Most scholars believe the poems originated through oral tradition before being written down. While known for their tragic themes, the poems also contain moments of humor and lightness.

Homer's cultural impact was profound. His works shaped ancient Greek education by establishing ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. Plato described Homer as the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante's Divine Comedy, Virgil calls Homer "Poet sovereign," while Alexander Pope acknowledged him as the "greatest of poets." From antiquity to today, the Homeric epics have inspired countless works across all artistic media.

Scholarly debate continues about the poems' origins. Modern researchers generally attribute them to different authors and date their composition to the late eighth or early seventh century BCE. Though traditional accounts depict Homer as a blind bard from Ionia (modern Turkey), contemporary scholars consider these accounts largely legendary rather than historical.