Learning about Culture from Literature

"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.