When did Hesiod write Works and Days?
Hesiod wrote Works and Days around 700 BC during a time of severe agrarian crisis in mainland Greece. The poem contains exactly 828 lines written in dactylic hexameter meter.
Hesiod wrote Works and Days around 700 BC during a time of severe agrarian crisis in mainland Greece. The poem contains exactly 828 lines written in dactylic hexameter meter.
Some scholars argue elpis translates as expectation rather than hope based on the root word suppose meaning unpleasant surprise at future ills. This interpretation suggests immortals keep easy livelihood hidden from mankind to explain why they suffer toil and illness.
The race of gold man lived during Cronus age of plenty and peace while Silver Age was much worse in both stature and temperament. Bronze Race was fearsome warlike with bronze weapons houses armor before Heroes were more just noble demigods falling in wars like Thebes Troy. Black iron did not exist yet when they fell at each other hands and Hesiod laments he lives during Iron Age characterized by toil hardship.
Traditional customs include instructions on when one should marry avoiding items containing mischief such as uncharmed pots representing examples of things to avoid in daily life. The text gives indications on right time to harvest certain plants based in Greek Mythology and provides examples of when to go sailing across the sea.
The poem contains exactly 828 lines written in dactylic hexameter meter. Scholars observe that this historical context inspired a wave of colonial expeditions searching for new land.