Homer and the Near East

Abstract

In their historical and literary setting, the poems of Homer and the epic cycle belong to the eastern Mediterranean: they share narrative elements with neighboring cultures since the Bronze Age, and show specific connections to Near Eastern history and mythology. Evidence for these connections has increased since the nineteenth century, with the discovery of Near Eastern texts and of archaeological evidence for the transmission of ideas. This chapter examines those discoveries, compares Near Eastern sources with Homeric themes and references, and suggests modes of contact and influence. The principal narrative poems of the Near East which show close connections to Homer belong to Mesopotamia (Sumerian and Akkadian verse epics) and the Levant, especially ancient Ugarit. Extant Near Eastern literature is an incomplete resource for understanding Greek epic poetry: many texts were lost, and comparison depends heavily on accidents of survival.Keywords: ancient Ugarit; Bronze Age; eastern Mediterranean; Greek epic poetry; Homer; Mesopotamia; Near East

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