GREEK HISTORIOGRAPHY
- Academic year
- 2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
- Official course title
- STORIOGRAFIA GRECA SP.
- Course code
- FM0204 (AF:568789 AR:324840)
- Modality
- On campus classes
- ECTS credits
- 6
- Degree level
- Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
- Educational sector code
- L-ANT/02
- Period
- 3rd Term
- Where
- VENEZIA
Contribution of the course to the overall degree programme goals
This Course belongs to the historical Area in both LM curricula.
The Course aims:
- advanced competence, methodological and epistemological skills in the analysis and interpretation of historiographical texts of the Greek literature;
- knowledge of the political and cultural context between the 5th century B.C. and the early Roman imperial age;
- knowledge of the most important figures in the Greek historiography;
- knowledge of philological, literary and lexical tools (with particular attention to fragmentary tradition);
- knowledge of the theoretical tools in the critical approach to Greek historiographic texts, with particular reference to the history of studies between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The Course aims:
- advanced competence, methodological and epistemological skills in the analysis and interpretation of historiographical texts of the Greek literature;
- knowledge of the political and cultural context between the 5th century B.C. and the early Roman imperial age;
- knowledge of the most important figures in the Greek historiography;
- knowledge of philological, literary and lexical tools (with particular attention to fragmentary tradition);
- knowledge of the theoretical tools in the critical approach to Greek historiographic texts, with particular reference to the history of studies between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Expected learning outcomes
The course responds to the educational objectives of the Master’s Degree in Greek Historiography (as detailed in Section A4 of the SUA), and has the following expected learning outcomes (according to the Dublin Descriptors):
1. Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the Greek concept of time in its various dimensions (honour, dignity, value, respect, recognition, rights). Students will become familiar with the terminology used to discuss these concepts and with the primary sources that inform our understanding of them.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to analyse and interpret primary texts (in original language and in translation) related to the concept of time, recognize the relevant terminology, and apply concepts learned to new contexts. They will develop skills in critically analysing both ancient sources and modern scholarship on the topic.
3. Making judgments: Students will develop the ability to evaluate different interpretations of the concept of time in Greek society, formulate and argue for their own interpretations, and reflect on the ethical and social implications of these concepts both in antiquity and today.
4. Communication skills: Students will enhance their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate scholarly language and terms. They will practice presenting arguments and discussing them with peers.
5. Learning skills: Students will develop the ability to conduct independent research on topics related to Greek conceptions of honour and social relations, to critically evaluate scholarship, and to engage with theoretical frameworks from various disciplines.
1. Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the Greek concept of time in its various dimensions (honour, dignity, value, respect, recognition, rights). Students will become familiar with the terminology used to discuss these concepts and with the primary sources that inform our understanding of them.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to analyse and interpret primary texts (in original language and in translation) related to the concept of time, recognize the relevant terminology, and apply concepts learned to new contexts. They will develop skills in critically analysing both ancient sources and modern scholarship on the topic.
3. Making judgments: Students will develop the ability to evaluate different interpretations of the concept of time in Greek society, formulate and argue for their own interpretations, and reflect on the ethical and social implications of these concepts both in antiquity and today.
4. Communication skills: Students will enhance their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate scholarly language and terms. They will practice presenting arguments and discussing them with peers.
5. Learning skills: Students will develop the ability to conduct independent research on topics related to Greek conceptions of honour and social relations, to critically evaluate scholarship, and to engage with theoretical frameworks from various disciplines.
Pre-requirements
Basic knowledge of Greek history: it is necessary to have passed a basic-level course in Greek history. Good knowledge of ancient Greek is desirable (but not strictly necessary).
Contents
a) Course title
Honour in Ancient Greece: Cultural Representations, Narratives and Social Realities
b) Programme
Course Rationale Everyone acknowledges that ‘honour’ is central to the societies and norms that assume centre stage in the greatest works of classical Greek literature and thought. Yet the concept -- both in its nature and in its pervasiveness in Greek society -- is often poorly understood. And this matters, because its ramifications are very wide indeed: from the quarrel that animates the plot of Europe’s earliest work of literature to the motivations of tragic characters both male and female, major and minor, honour is at the heart of a complex of ethical values whose understanding is indispensable to the interpretation of Greek literature and thought. It underpins the self-assertion of heroes, but also the control that communities exert on heroic self-assertion. Such themes recur in myriad variations in a variety of contexts because honour is the central concept of Greek social and political life, from the society depicted in the Homeric poems, via the archaic societies that received those poems, to the developed democracy of classical Athens. From the Iliad to Athenian law, oratory, and politics ‘honour’ is inextricably linked not only with the pursuit of prestige in competition with others, but also with justice, self-control, and the interests of the community. In Homer, Sophocles, Aristotle, and the Attic orators not only does the notion of honour presuppose an implicit conception of rights, but terms linked to that notion can be explicitly used to articulate such a concept. Honour is the driving force in ancient Greek social interaction, in the norms and values that are expressed in relationships at both interpersonal and civic levels, and in the institutions that bind individuals to their communities. This is a history that starts with literary sources but which reaches deep into ancient Greek society. It is the history that this course aims to explore.
This course is an introduction to the concept of honour (time) in Archaic and Classical Greece, and to its centrality in defining all kinds of social and political relations. Understanding honour is absolutely essential for interpreting interactions—both social and political—at all levels in the works of Greek historians, particularly Herodotus and Thucydides. Part of the course will be devoted explicitly to historiography and, additionally, the analysis of historical texts and their representation of honour dynamics will loom large throughout the entirety of course. The sequential analysis of the domains where honour was central will help us discuss notions of dignity, recognition, respect and subjective rights, honours for benefactors (euergetism) and for various subaltern categories (women, slaves). Through careful reading of historiographical works, we will examine how honour shaped interstate relations, motivated historical actors, and provided a framework for explaining and evaluating historical events. Finally, we shall discuss pathological social forms connected to honour dynamics: hybris, shame, atimia.
Honour in Ancient Greece: Cultural Representations, Narratives and Social Realities
b) Programme
Course Rationale Everyone acknowledges that ‘honour’ is central to the societies and norms that assume centre stage in the greatest works of classical Greek literature and thought. Yet the concept -- both in its nature and in its pervasiveness in Greek society -- is often poorly understood. And this matters, because its ramifications are very wide indeed: from the quarrel that animates the plot of Europe’s earliest work of literature to the motivations of tragic characters both male and female, major and minor, honour is at the heart of a complex of ethical values whose understanding is indispensable to the interpretation of Greek literature and thought. It underpins the self-assertion of heroes, but also the control that communities exert on heroic self-assertion. Such themes recur in myriad variations in a variety of contexts because honour is the central concept of Greek social and political life, from the society depicted in the Homeric poems, via the archaic societies that received those poems, to the developed democracy of classical Athens. From the Iliad to Athenian law, oratory, and politics ‘honour’ is inextricably linked not only with the pursuit of prestige in competition with others, but also with justice, self-control, and the interests of the community. In Homer, Sophocles, Aristotle, and the Attic orators not only does the notion of honour presuppose an implicit conception of rights, but terms linked to that notion can be explicitly used to articulate such a concept. Honour is the driving force in ancient Greek social interaction, in the norms and values that are expressed in relationships at both interpersonal and civic levels, and in the institutions that bind individuals to their communities. This is a history that starts with literary sources but which reaches deep into ancient Greek society. It is the history that this course aims to explore.
This course is an introduction to the concept of honour (time) in Archaic and Classical Greece, and to its centrality in defining all kinds of social and political relations. Understanding honour is absolutely essential for interpreting interactions—both social and political—at all levels in the works of Greek historians, particularly Herodotus and Thucydides. Part of the course will be devoted explicitly to historiography and, additionally, the analysis of historical texts and their representation of honour dynamics will loom large throughout the entirety of course. The sequential analysis of the domains where honour was central will help us discuss notions of dignity, recognition, respect and subjective rights, honours for benefactors (euergetism) and for various subaltern categories (women, slaves). Through careful reading of historiographical works, we will examine how honour shaped interstate relations, motivated historical actors, and provided a framework for explaining and evaluating historical events. Finally, we shall discuss pathological social forms connected to honour dynamics: hybris, shame, atimia.
Referral texts
Texts read in Greek (in class):
- A selection of passages from Herodotus
- A selection of passages from Thucydides
- A selection of passages from Demosthenes’ speeches 20, 22, 23
- Diodorus Siculus’ narrative of the First Sicilian Slave Revolt
Required readings:
Cairns, D.L. (1993), Aidos. The Psychology and Ethics of Honour and Shame in Ancient Greek Literature. Oxford. (Introduction only)
Cairns, D.L. (2011), ‘Honour and shame: modern controversies and ancient values’, Critical Quarterly 53.1: 23-41.
Cairns, D.L. (2019), ‘Honour and Kingship in Herodotus: Status, Role, and the Limits of Self-Assertion’, Frontiers of Philosophy in China 14.1: 75-93.
Cairns, D.L. (2024), ‘Hubris, Ancient and Modern’, in G.K. Giannakis, T. Papanghelis and A. Rengakos (eds.), The Future of the Past: Why Classical Studies still matter. Athenian Dialogues IV. Berlin-Boston: 155-174.
Cairns, D.L., Canevaro, M. and Lewis, D.M. (2025), ‘Introduction’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Canevaro, M. (2016), Demostene, Contro Leptine. Introduzione, Traduzione e Commento Storico. Berlin-Boston, particularly pp. 77-97 (and passim).
Canevaro, M. (2018), ‘The public charge for hubris against slaves: the honour of the victim and the honour of the hubristes’, JHS 138: 100-26.
Canevaro, M. (2025), L’Atene dei diritti: onore, dignità, socialità. Roma-Bari.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Honour(s) for citizens: egalitarianism and social distinction in democratic Athens’, in L. Cecchet and C. Lasagni (eds.), Citizenship Practised, Citizenship Imagined. Multiple Ways of Experiencing Citizenship in the Greek World. Stuttgart.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Recognition and imbalances of power: honour relations and slaves’ claims vis-à-vis their masters’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Additional readings (non compulsory):
Cairns, D.L. (2021), ‘Hybris e ingiustizia in Aristotele’, Rivista di Diritto Ellenico 9 (2019): 15-42.
Cairns, D.L. (2025), ‘Lucky fools: luck, risk and merit in the ancient Greek concept of hybris’, in D.L. Cairns, N. Bouras and E. Sadler-Smith (eds.), Hubris, Ancient and Modern: Concepts, Comparisons, Connections. Cambridge.
Cairns, D.L. (2025), ‘Honour and the Rhetoric of Slavery in Herodotus’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Cairns, D.L., Canevaro, M. and Mantzouranis, K. (2022), ‘Recognition and Redistribution in Aristotle’s Account of Stasis’, Polis 39.1: 1-34.
Canevaro, M. (2019), ‘Courage in War and the Courage of the War Dead – Ancient and Modern Reflections’, in M. Giangiulio, E. Franchi and G. Proietti (eds.), Commemorating war and war dead. Ancient and modern. Stuttgart.
Canevaro, M. (2024), ‘L’hybris degli oppressi: onore e controllo sociale nel mondo greco (e nel nostro)’, Rivista di Filologia e Istruzione Classica 151.1: 15-66.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Vertical honour vs horizontal honour: (in)equality, (differential) dignity and the nature of Greek oligarchia’, in M. Giangiulio and C. Müller (eds.), Greek Oligarchies (6th-1st c. BC). Cambridge.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Nativism vs. class denigration: Athenian autochthony between exclusion and inclusion’, in M. Bellomo, A.M. Cimino, V. Saldutti and E. Zucchetti (eds.), Class and Classics: Subalterns and the Production of Classical Culture. Berlin.
Lendon, J.E. (2000), ‘Homeric Vengeance and the Outbreak of Greek Wars’, in H. van Wees (ed.), War and Violence in Ancient Greece. London: 1-30.
Certain readings will be prioritised during the course, additional or replacement readings may also be suggested.
- A selection of passages from Herodotus
- A selection of passages from Thucydides
- A selection of passages from Demosthenes’ speeches 20, 22, 23
- Diodorus Siculus’ narrative of the First Sicilian Slave Revolt
Required readings:
Cairns, D.L. (1993), Aidos. The Psychology and Ethics of Honour and Shame in Ancient Greek Literature. Oxford. (Introduction only)
Cairns, D.L. (2011), ‘Honour and shame: modern controversies and ancient values’, Critical Quarterly 53.1: 23-41.
Cairns, D.L. (2019), ‘Honour and Kingship in Herodotus: Status, Role, and the Limits of Self-Assertion’, Frontiers of Philosophy in China 14.1: 75-93.
Cairns, D.L. (2024), ‘Hubris, Ancient and Modern’, in G.K. Giannakis, T. Papanghelis and A. Rengakos (eds.), The Future of the Past: Why Classical Studies still matter. Athenian Dialogues IV. Berlin-Boston: 155-174.
Cairns, D.L., Canevaro, M. and Lewis, D.M. (2025), ‘Introduction’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Canevaro, M. (2016), Demostene, Contro Leptine. Introduzione, Traduzione e Commento Storico. Berlin-Boston, particularly pp. 77-97 (and passim).
Canevaro, M. (2018), ‘The public charge for hubris against slaves: the honour of the victim and the honour of the hubristes’, JHS 138: 100-26.
Canevaro, M. (2025), L’Atene dei diritti: onore, dignità, socialità. Roma-Bari.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Honour(s) for citizens: egalitarianism and social distinction in democratic Athens’, in L. Cecchet and C. Lasagni (eds.), Citizenship Practised, Citizenship Imagined. Multiple Ways of Experiencing Citizenship in the Greek World. Stuttgart.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Recognition and imbalances of power: honour relations and slaves’ claims vis-à-vis their masters’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Additional readings (non compulsory):
Cairns, D.L. (2021), ‘Hybris e ingiustizia in Aristotele’, Rivista di Diritto Ellenico 9 (2019): 15-42.
Cairns, D.L. (2025), ‘Lucky fools: luck, risk and merit in the ancient Greek concept of hybris’, in D.L. Cairns, N. Bouras and E. Sadler-Smith (eds.), Hubris, Ancient and Modern: Concepts, Comparisons, Connections. Cambridge.
Cairns, D.L. (2025), ‘Honour and the Rhetoric of Slavery in Herodotus’, in D.M. Lewis, M. Canevaro and D.L. Cairns (eds.), Slavery and Honour in the Ancient Greek World. Edinburgh.
Cairns, D.L., Canevaro, M. and Mantzouranis, K. (2022), ‘Recognition and Redistribution in Aristotle’s Account of Stasis’, Polis 39.1: 1-34.
Canevaro, M. (2019), ‘Courage in War and the Courage of the War Dead – Ancient and Modern Reflections’, in M. Giangiulio, E. Franchi and G. Proietti (eds.), Commemorating war and war dead. Ancient and modern. Stuttgart.
Canevaro, M. (2024), ‘L’hybris degli oppressi: onore e controllo sociale nel mondo greco (e nel nostro)’, Rivista di Filologia e Istruzione Classica 151.1: 15-66.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Vertical honour vs horizontal honour: (in)equality, (differential) dignity and the nature of Greek oligarchia’, in M. Giangiulio and C. Müller (eds.), Greek Oligarchies (6th-1st c. BC). Cambridge.
Canevaro, M. (2025), ‘Nativism vs. class denigration: Athenian autochthony between exclusion and inclusion’, in M. Bellomo, A.M. Cimino, V. Saldutti and E. Zucchetti (eds.), Class and Classics: Subalterns and the Production of Classical Culture. Berlin.
Lendon, J.E. (2000), ‘Homeric Vengeance and the Outbreak of Greek Wars’, in H. van Wees (ed.), War and Violence in Ancient Greece. London: 1-30.
Certain readings will be prioritised during the course, additional or replacement readings may also be suggested.
Assessment methods
The oral exam consists of a discussion on the topics covered in the lectures and the required readings. The purpose of the examination is to evaluate the disciplinary competence and the critical and methodological skills developed during the lessons and through individual study, with particular regard to the knowledge of concepts related to the dimension of honour in the Greek world and their social and political implications.
The evaluation will take into account the following aspects: mastery of content (in-depth knowledge of the dimension of honour in the Greek world) and the specialist terminology acquired during the course; ability to conduct a histyorical/conceptiual analysis of relevant texts; capacity for argumentation, critical judgment, synthesis, and analysis.
The evaluation will take into account the following aspects: mastery of content (in-depth knowledge of the dimension of honour in the Greek world) and the specialist terminology acquired during the course; ability to conduct a histyorical/conceptiual analysis of relevant texts; capacity for argumentation, critical judgment, synthesis, and analysis.
Type of exam
oral
Grading scale
A. Grades in the range 18-22 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Sufficient knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
B. Grades in the range 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Good knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Discrete communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
C. Grades in the range 27-30 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Very good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
D. "Lode" (distinction) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the program, judgment capacity, and communication skills.
• Sufficient knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
B. Grades in the range 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Good knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Discrete communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
C. Grades in the range 27-30 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Very good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.
D. "Lode" (distinction) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the program, judgment capacity, and communication skills.
Teaching methods
The course will be structured around three weekly seminars of 2 hours each, combining lectures and discussion sessions. Students will be expected to prepare a small number of assigned readings before each seminar and to participate actively in discussions.
Teaching language
English
Further information
Course Structure
Unit 1: Honour in the Greek world - issues, approaches, opportunities
Key anthropological and philosophical concepts; Homer, Archaic texts; verticality and horizontality, competition and cooperation. We will explore the foundations of honour as a social concept in Greek society and examine various theoretical frameworks for understanding it.
Unit 2: Greek subjective rights? Justice, legal discourse, and legal institutions
Relevant terms (time, axia, hybris, aidos, atimia, timoria), meaning and implications for our understanding of how the Greeks conceptualized intersubjective relations at all levels. We will investigate how concepts of honour shaped and were shaped by legal institutions and discourse, with particular attention to oratorical and historiographical sources
Units 3: Honour in Greek Historiography
An examination of how honour functions in the historical narratives of Herodotus and Thucydides. We will analyse how these historians understood and depicted honour as a motivating force in historical events and interstate relations.
Unit 4: Honour(s) for Citizens: Egalitarianism and Social Distinction in Democratic Athens
Honour in citizenship, and honours for benefactors in Athens and beyond, with particular attention to historiographical narratives involving honour (and class) relations. This unit explores the tension between democratic equality and social distinction in Athens, examining how honours functioned within the polis, and how historical events were interpreted within the frame of honour.
Unit 5: Hybris, (dis)honour and subalternity
We will examine the concept of hybris as a violation of proper honour dynamics and its implications for Greek social and legal norms, both within the polis and in international relations. We will also focus on honour of the subalterns (women and slaves) and on historiographical narratives of slave revolts (Thucydides and Diodorus).
The course is held in the second semester.
Link to the E-learning section of the course (https://elearning.unive.it/ )
Students are reminded to use exclusively their UNIVE e-mail account for contacting teachers. Email address of the lecturer: mirko.canevaro@ed.ac.uk
Unit 1: Honour in the Greek world - issues, approaches, opportunities
Key anthropological and philosophical concepts; Homer, Archaic texts; verticality and horizontality, competition and cooperation. We will explore the foundations of honour as a social concept in Greek society and examine various theoretical frameworks for understanding it.
Unit 2: Greek subjective rights? Justice, legal discourse, and legal institutions
Relevant terms (time, axia, hybris, aidos, atimia, timoria), meaning and implications for our understanding of how the Greeks conceptualized intersubjective relations at all levels. We will investigate how concepts of honour shaped and were shaped by legal institutions and discourse, with particular attention to oratorical and historiographical sources
Units 3: Honour in Greek Historiography
An examination of how honour functions in the historical narratives of Herodotus and Thucydides. We will analyse how these historians understood and depicted honour as a motivating force in historical events and interstate relations.
Unit 4: Honour(s) for Citizens: Egalitarianism and Social Distinction in Democratic Athens
Honour in citizenship, and honours for benefactors in Athens and beyond, with particular attention to historiographical narratives involving honour (and class) relations. This unit explores the tension between democratic equality and social distinction in Athens, examining how honours functioned within the polis, and how historical events were interpreted within the frame of honour.
Unit 5: Hybris, (dis)honour and subalternity
We will examine the concept of hybris as a violation of proper honour dynamics and its implications for Greek social and legal norms, both within the polis and in international relations. We will also focus on honour of the subalterns (women and slaves) and on historiographical narratives of slave revolts (Thucydides and Diodorus).
The course is held in the second semester.
Link to the E-learning section of the course (https://elearning.unive.it/ )
Students are reminded to use exclusively their UNIVE e-mail account for contacting teachers. Email address of the lecturer: mirko.canevaro@ed.ac.uk
Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 07/03/2025