Theogony

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Hesiod’s Theogony was composed around 700 BCE, during the Archaic Period of ancient Greek history. What is the Archaic Period? What are some cultural, political, and historical achievements associated with this period?

Teaching Suggestion: In ancient Greek history, the Archaic Period is usually placed between 776 and 479 BCE. Students may benefit from discussing historical events and cultural and political developments of this period, including the establishment of the Olympic Games, the development of the Greek alphabet, the rise of the Greek city-state (known as the polis), and the extension of Greek trade across the Mediterranean. You might also discuss the Persian Wars, the two major Persian invasions of Greece that represent the transition from the Archaic Period to the Classical Period. Consider also calling attention to Hesiod’s place within this period as one of the first major literary figures of Greek history (alongside Homer).

• This short article from the National Archaeological Museum of Greece presents a brief introduction to the Archaic Period.
• This article from Khan Academy discusses the history of the Greek polis.