Ancient Period (Starożytność) Overview

The first literary epoch, known as Starożytność antyk, spans from 4000 BCE to 476 CE, marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This period established the foundations of European culture through various philosophical, artistic, and literary developments.

Definition: Antyk ramy czasowe refers to the chronological framework of classical antiquity, spanning from the invention of writing to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Highlight: Key philosophical schools emerged during this period, including Stoicism (emphasizing emotional control), Epicureanism (focusing on life's pleasures), and Cynicism (questioning social norms).

Example: The Greek theater, originating from Dionysian festivals, gave birth to tragedy and comedy as distinct dramatic forms.

Vocabulary: "Decorum" refers to the appropriate matching of form and content in artistic expression.

Quote: "Mimesis" represents the artistic principle of representing the world as it truly is, while "katharsis" describes the emotional purification experienced through art.

The period features several important cultural elements:

1. Greek Mythology:

• Mitologia grecka książka contains foundational stories like the Creation Myth
• Tales of Prometheus, Demeter and Kore, Theseus and Ariadne
• The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice demonstrating the power of fate

2. Biblical Influence:

• Source of ethical and moral systems
• Foundation of Judaic and Christian religions
• Origin of various literary genres

3. Greek Art and Architecture:

• Perfect proportions and harmony
• Naturalistic observation
• Canonical forms and ideals

4. Philosophical Traditions:

• Socratic method of inquiry
• Platonic idealism
• Aristotelian golden mean

Highlight: Common phrases from this period still used today include "Achilles' heel," "Sisyphean task," "Olympic calm," and "Pandora's box."