Binding: Paperback
Description: Xenophon was acknowledged in Antiquity as a philosopher a historian (third in the triad of great Classical historians alongside Herodotus and Thucydides) and a literary artist. His narrative was appreciated for its literary qualities including its charm wit vigour and sweetness (for which he was hailed as Attic Muse': Diogenes Laertius 2.6.57). The Oeconomicus describes Socrates conversing on the topic of successful management of one's oikos (household estate). The focus is a well - to - do Athenian household which proves a testing ground for the moral qualities or 'gentlemanliness of the male head of household but also a space in which the role and agency of women turns out to be key. Symposium shifts to the male space of the men's quarters of the private home to describe an evening of conversation and entertainment at the house of an Athenian plutocrat. Far from being simply a lighthearted affair the conversation probes timeless questions regarding wisdom love and female capacity and over it looms the deadly serious matter of Socrates trial and death. Both works are rich sources for Athenian social history of the Classical period. Oeconomicus in particular offers insights on the role and status of women in Ancient Athens. Xenophon doesn't however passively reflect the social realities he saw around him or supply snapshots of historical actuality.
Title: Estate Management And Symposium
Author(s): Xenophon, Baragwanath, Emily (Associate Professor Of Classics, University Of North Carolina)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Barcode: 9780198823513
Pages: 160 Pages
Publication Date: 7/1/2022
Series: Oxford World's Classics
Category: Classical History / Classical Civilisation