A reading guide
Ancient Greek literature
This list introduces ancient Greek literature through epics, poetry, plays, history and philosophy for readers new to the Greek classics. Start with The Odyssey, a homeward journey through storms, strange creatures and encounters with gods.
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Where to start
Start hereThe OdysseyHomerChoose a story of homecoming, with storms, strange creatures and a family facing threats while Odysseus struggles to return.
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The books
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Epic and poetry
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | About 750 BC | The OdysseyHomer Odysseus struggles to reach his family while storms, strange creatures and interfering gods threaten his journey home. | Poems | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | 750 BC | The IliadHomer Achilles withdraws from battle after a quarrel, leaving his companions exposed as gods intervene in the fighting at Troy. | Poems | Free to startRead free |
| 3 | · | Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and HomericaHesiod Poems about divine origins, farming and heroic deeds bring together Greek stories with questions of work and justice. | Poems | Free to startRead free |
| 4 | 250 BC | The ArgonauticaApollonius of Rhodes Jason and his fellow heroes sail towards Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece, facing dangers and divine interference. | Poems | Free to startRead free |
| 5 | · | The Extant Odes of PindarPindar Songs celebrating athletic victories turn towards gods, heroes and reflections on luck, mortality and the limits of success. | Poems | Free to startRead free |
Tragedy and comedy
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | · | The Seven Plays in English VerseSophocles Sophocles places rulers, soldiers and divided families amid conflicts between public commands, personal loyalty and competing duties. | Play | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | · | Æschylus: Tragedies and FragmentsAeschylus These tragedies explore the consequences of war and family violence as people confront the demands of gods. | Play | Free to startRead free |
| 3 | 405 BC | The FrogsAristophanes Dionysus journeys to the underworld to recover a playwright, encountering disguises, quarrels and a chorus of singing frogs. | Play | Free to startRead free |
| 4 | 423 BC | The CloudsAristophanes A farmer hopes a school headed by Socrates can teach him arguments that will release him from debt. | Play | Free to startRead free |
History, philosophy and science
| # | First published | Book | Kind | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 390 BC | ApologyPlato Facing an Athenian jury, Socrates defends his questioning of others and reflects on the limits of human wisdom. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 2 | 375 BC | The RepublicPlato Socrates and his companions imagine a city to investigate justice and the relationship between social order and the soul. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 3 | 385 BC | SymposiumPlato Guests at an Athenian celebration offer contrasting accounts of love, desire and their place in human life. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 4 | 370 BC | AnabasisXenophon Greek soldiers stranded in Persia must find their way home after the deaths of their patron and generals. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 5 | 440 BC | An Account of EgyptHerodotus Herodotus explores Egypt through the Nile, religious practices, everyday customs and stories about its past rulers. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 6 | 340 BC | The Ethics of AristotleAristotle Aristotle examines happiness through character and action, showing how practice and sound judgment shape a good life. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 7 | 335 BC | The Poetics of AristotleAristotle Aristotle examines how poetry and drama represent human action, giving particular attention to tragedy and the arrangement of events. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 8 | 390 BC | CritoPlato A friend's plan to rescue Socrates from prison becomes a conversation about whether escaping execution would be right. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
| 9 | 125 | The EnchiridionEpictetus Stoic advice directs attention towards personal judgments and choices rather than attempts to control events or other people. | Non-fiction | Free to startRead free |
Questions
What are the most famous works of ancient Greek literature?
The Iliad explores a warrior's anger, The Odyssey follows a homeward journey, and The Republic examines justice in the city and the soul. For a broader introduction, add the tragedies in The Seven Plays in English Verse and the comedy The Frogs. These choices range from war and homecoming to justice, conflicting loyalties and a journey to the dead.
Where should I start with ancient Greek literature?
Start with The Odyssey for adventure, Crito for a focused moral conversation, or The Frogs for comedy. The Odyssey follows a king trying to return to his family. Crito asks whether Socrates should escape prison, while The Frogs sends Dionysus to the underworld to bring back a playwright.
Who wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey?
The Iliad and The Odyssey are traditionally attributed to Homer. The Iliad centres on Achilles' anger and his withdrawal from the Greek army besieging Troy. The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War, while his wife and son face threats in Ithaca.
Which ancient Greek works are the shortest?
Crito, The Enchiridion and The Frogs are the shortest selections on this list. Crito centres on a proposed prison escape and the question of justice. The Enchiridion offers Stoic advice about choices and control. The Frogs follows a god's journey to recover a dead playwright.
What kinds of writing are on this list?
The list covers epic and other poetry, tragedy, comedy, history and philosophy. The Iliad and The Argonautica follow warriors and heroes, while Pindar's odes celebrate athletic victories. Historical accounts explore Egypt and Greek soldiers in Persia; philosophical works examine justice, love, character and personal choices.
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