But on the spot I told them: 'Back, and quickly!
Out to sea again! My men were mutinous,
fools, on stores of wine. Sheep after sheep
they butchered by the surf, and shambling cattle,
feasting - while fugitives went inland, running
to call to arms the main force of Cicones.
This was an army, trained to fight on horseback
or, where the ground required, on foot. They came
with dawn over that terrain like the leaves
and blades of spring. So doom appeared to us,
dark word of Zeus for us, our evil days.
My men stood up and made a fight of it -
backed on the ships, with lances kept in play,
from bright morning through the blaze of noon
holding our beach, although so far outnumbered.
- The Odyssey, Homer
What can be learned about ancient Greeks from this passage? Check all that apply.
- They had a democratic government.
- They were interested in science and art.
- They believed that gluttony and disobedience are negative traits.
- They believed that the gods punish people for acting badly.
- They believed in the importance of strength in battle.
