Many sites are relevant to topics we'll be covering. Here are a few:
The Minoans and The Myceneans, which are part of the World Civilizations site at WSU, are both useful and accessible.
The Prehistoric Archaeology of the Aegean site at Dartmouth presents a lot of information, much of it too specialized for our class. However, relevant lessons include: Minoan Architecture: The Palaces; Minoan Religion; Mycenaean Residential Architecture: Palaces and Ordinary Housing; Linear B Tablets and Mycenaean Social, Political, and Economic Organization; and Mycenaean and Late Cycladic Religion and Religious Architecture.
Minoan Crete is an unpretentious site that offers a wealth of photographs of excavated sites in Crete.
Two of the manifestations of eighth century Panhellinism were the establishment of the Olympics and the Pythian Apollo's Sanctuary and Oracle at Delphi. On the Olympics, see The Ancient Olympics. The Perseus Site: Olympia is an excellent introduction to the Olympia itself; likewise the Perseus Site: Delphi is a fine introduction to Apollo's sanctuary at Delphi. Both sites include many pictures.
A bit closer to home are two of our course web pages that you all should consult and print out: The Iliad Summary summarizes the books of the Iliad that we are not reading. Consult it whenever you come to a book or books that are not assigned, so you can keep track of the movement of the story. Iliad: Key Characters lists the names of all the characters, human and divine, that you need to know.
Fagles' translation of the Iliad includes an excellent introduction, several maps (pp. 68-73), notes, suggestions for further reading, and a Pronouncing Glossary which lists all the name in the text, along with their pronunciation and a brief identification. You'll find this glossary to be a particularly useful (and necessary) supplement to the Iliad: Key Characters page.
1. The plot of the Iliad is driven by Agamemnon and Achilles' quarrel in Book 1, a quarrel that proves deadly for many of the Achaeans. Pay particular attention to the give and take as this quarrel develops. Who is at fault here? Who bears the greater responsibility, Agamemnon or Achilles?
2. How is Agamemnon presented in these books? In a favorable or unfavorable light? Is he the type of leader you would be willing to serve under? Why?
3. What appears to be the role of the gods and goddesses in the Iliad? How much influence do they have on human plans and actions?
4. How would you describe Achilles' character? He is clearly the hero of this story. Which of his actions are surprising? Disturbing?
5. According to tradition, the Trojan war was fought over Helen, the wife of Menelaus who ran off with Paris to Troy. How is she presented in Book 3? Is the poet sympathetic or hostile toward her?