The language of philosophy, democracy, and the gods — from the epic poetry of Homer to the wisdom of Plato.
“Anthrōpos hē physis archē”
— Protagoras of Abdera
This philosophical fragment reflects the core of **Ancient Greek** thought, where the human mind is the measure of truth and reality.
— Delphi Oracle
Cultural Context
Ancient Greek is the language of the **classical world**, spoken by poets, philosophers, and warriors. It gave rise to much of Western philosophy and literature, from **Homer’s epic tales** to **Plato's dialogues**. The dialects of Ancient Greek, including **Attic**, **Ionian**, and **Doric**, reflected the different regions and periods in Greek history.
It also influenced **Latin**, the foundation for modern European languages. The language’s unique structure allowed for profound expression in both poetry and philosophy, and it remains a cornerstone of Western intellectual tradition.
Dialects of Ancient Greek
1. Attic Greek
The dialect of **Classical Athens**, the language of **Socrates**, **Plato**, and **Aristotle**. It is characterized by its clarity and precision, making it the most studied form of Ancient Greek.
Example: “ἄνθρωπος ἡ φύσις ἀρχή” — "Man is the measure of all things" — Protagoras of Abdera
2. Ionic Greek
Used in the epic poetry of **Homer** (*Iliad*, *Odyssey*), Ionic Greek was spoken on the islands and in the coastal regions of Asia Minor.
Example: “ἦμος ἐρρύκον ἄνακτες” — "We are led by the kings" — Homer’s *Odyssey*
3. Doric Greek
Spoken by the **Spartans** and other Dorian colonies, it is a more archaic and austere dialect, often found in **choral poetry** and inscriptions.
Example: “ὁ δῆμος σῶμα εἰς Ἀθήνας” — "The people are the body of Athens" — An example from a Doric inscription
4. Aeolic Greek
Spoken in **Lesbos** and **Boeotia**, Aeolic Greek is known for its distinctive vowel shifts. **Sappho** wrote in this dialect.
Example: “ἔρως ἀθανάτος” — "Love is eternal" — from **Sappho’s Hymn to Aphrodite**
5. Koine Greek
The "common" dialect of Greek that arose after **Alexander the Great’s conquests**, it became the lingua franca of the Hellenistic world. It is the language of the **New Testament** and the **Septuagint**.
Example: “Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς νικᾷ” — "Jesus Christ conquers" — Christian inscription in Koine