Ancient World Literature

Question 1

An ancient Greek epic poem, traditionally attributed to Homer. Set during the Trojan War, it tells of the battles and events during the weeks of a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles.

Answer 1

Iliad

Question 2

A sequal to the Iliad, this epic poem also famously attributed to Homer tells of the King of Ithaka who is encounters many troubles on his way back from the Trojan War.

Answer 2

Odyssey

Question 3

A large body of religious texts originating from India. It was written in early Sanskrit and contained hymns, philosophy, and guidance on rituals for the priests of Vedic religion.

Answer 3

The Vedas

Question 4

The first part of Christian Bibles, based primarily upon the Hebrew Bible. It is believed to be the sacred Word of God.

Answer 4

Old Testament

Question 5

The second part of the Christian biblical canon, the first being the Old Testament. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity. Also regarded as sacred scripture.

Answer 5

New Testament

Question 6

The oldest known law code surviving today. It is from Mesopotamia and is written on tablets, in the Sumerian language.

Answer 6

Code of Ur-Nammu

Question 7

A well-preserved Babylonian code of law of ancient Mesopotamia, dated to about 1754 BC. It is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world.

Answer 7

Code of Hammurabi

Question 8

Regarded as one of the oldest great works of literature. It begins with five Sumarian poems.

Answer 8

Epic of Gilgamesh

Question 9

Split into three parts: Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim, this work of literature set up the textual source for the Old Testament.

Answer 9

Hebrew Bible

Question 10

A significant example of Sumerian wisdom literature intended to teach proper piety, inculcate virtue, and preserve community standards, was common throughout the ancient Near East. It is the earliest known written literature.

Answer 10

Instructions of Shuruppak