Podcast Summary: The History of English Podcast – Episode 12: Early Greek, Hittite and the Trojan War (Extended Version)

Introduction: Greek Influences on the English Language

In Episode 12 of The History of English Podcast, host Kevin Stroud delves into the profound impact of ancient Greek and Hittite civilizations on the English language. Stroud emphasizes that while English is fundamentally a Germanic language, its vocabulary and writing systems have been significantly shaped by Greek and Latin influences, particularly post-Norman conquest.

“The Greek language is the biggest influence on modern English outside of Latin, and of course, English's native Germanic roots.” [00:10]

The Hittite Empire: Unveiling an Ancient Indo-European Power

Stroud explores the Hittite Empire, once a dominant force in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Initially shrouded in mystery, the Hittites were identified through archaeological discoveries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their language, deciphered as the oldest known Indo-European language, offers invaluable insights into early linguistic developments.

“What Horazni had discovered was Hittite, the oldest known Indo European language.” [09:30]

While the Hittite language did not directly influence English, understanding their civilization provides context for the broader Indo-European linguistic landscape that shaped English.

Early Greek Civilizations: The Minoans and Mycenaeans

Stroud transitions to the ancient Greek civilizations, differentiating between the pre-Indo-European Minoans of Crete and the Indo-European Mycenaeans of mainland Greece. The Minoans, renowned for their advanced society and writing system (Linear A), were eventually overtaken by the Mycenaeans around 1450 BC. The Mycenaeans adopted and adapted the Minoan script into Linear B, which was deciphered in 1952 as an early form of Greek.

“The Mycenaean Greek civilization and the Hittite civilization were destroyed and lost to history until modern archaeologists rediscovered them.” [58:45]

This shift marked the beginning of recorded Greek history, paving the way for the development of classical Greek language and literature.

The Rise and Fall of Mycenaean Greece

At its zenith in the 14th century BC, the Mycenaean Empire rivaled Egypt and Assyria as a major power in the Near East. However, around 1200 BC, a cascade of invasions and internal strife led to the collapse of Mycenaean Greece—a period known as the Greek Dark Ages. This era saw the disappearance of Linear B script and a significant loss of written records.

“The domino effect that had been set in motion contributed to waves of mass migrations and disruptions throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.” [55:20]

The Trojan War: Bridging History and Mythology

Central to this episode is the exploration of the Trojan War, a pivotal event in Greek mythology with lasting repercussions on the English language. Stroud discusses the historical underpinnings versus the legendary narratives, highlighting archaeological findings that lend credence to the existence of Troy and the Mycenaean civilization.

“We now know that at least parts of the Iliad and the Odyssey were likely rooted in fact.” [12:50]

The legendary war, immortalized in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, introduced numerous English words and phrases rooted in Greek mythology and storytelling.

Greek Alphabet: Revolutionizing Written Communication

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the development and adoption of the Greek Alphabet. Stroud contrasts syllabic scripts like Linear B with the more efficient alphabetic system, which broke down sounds into individual phonemes, drastically simplifying literacy and record-keeping.

“An Alphabet allows you to put those two together to form ba. And here's why that idea was so revolutionary.” [40:10]

The adoption of the alphabet facilitated the preservation of epic narratives and the dissemination of Greek culture, directly influencing modern English through loanwords and literary traditions.

Legacy of the Trojan War in English Vocabulary

Stroud meticulously traces several English words and phrases back to the Trojan War narratives:

• Clue: Originating from "clew," meaning a ball of yarn, referencing Theseus's thread in the labyrinth.

  “The word clue originally meant a ball of yarn or thread.” [33:15]

• Achilles' Heel: Denoting a critical weakness, derived from the myth of Achilles’s vulnerable heel.

  “This legendary story gave us the term Achilles heel to refer to a weak point.” [50:30]

• Trojan Horse: Referring to deceptive tactics, influenced by the Greeks' use of the wooden horse in Troy.

  “It gave us the term Trojan Horse, which refers to something that undermines an opponent from within.” [55:50]

• Nostalgia: Combining "nostos" (return) and "algos" (pain), expressing longing for home.

  “It gave us the English word nostalgia, which means a longing for an earlier time or a familiar place.” [46:25]

These examples illustrate how ancient myths have seamlessly integrated into the English lexicon, often carrying nuanced meanings from their original contexts.

Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Ancient Civilizations

Stroud concludes by emphasizing the lasting impact of Greek and Hittite civilizations on English, not only through vocabulary but also through foundational literary works and writing systems. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on Greece's literary and philosophical contributions to the English language.

“The new Greek Alphabet ushered in a period of literature and scholarship and philosophy, which we know today as the period of classical Greece.” [79:15]

Notable Quotes

• “The word clue originally meant a ball of yarn or thread.” — Kevin Stroud [33:15]
• “The Trojan Horse was a clever ruse, some later writers considered it deceitful and dishonest...” — Kevin Stroud [64:50]
• “An Alphabet allows you to put those two together to form ba. And here's why that idea was so revolutionary.” — Kevin Stroud [40:10]

Key Takeaways

1. Greek and Hittite Influences: Greek and Hittite civilizations significantly shaped the English language through loanwords and writing systems.
2. Alphabetic Advantage: The Greek Alphabet's efficiency over syllabic scripts revolutionized literacy and record-keeping, facilitating the preservation of epic narratives.
3. Trojan War's Linguistic Legacy: Myths surrounding the Trojan War have enriched English with enduring words and phrases that encapsulate complex ideas and emotions.
4. Historical vs. Mythological Narratives: While the historical accuracy of events like the Trojan War remains debated, their mythological representations have left an indelible mark on English literature and vocabulary.

Final Thoughts

Episode 12 offers an insightful exploration of how ancient civilizations lay the groundwork for modern English. Through meticulous historical analysis and linguistic connections, Stroud underscores the enduring legacy of Greek and Hittite contributions, demonstrating that the echoes of ancient wars and societies continue to resonate in the language we use today.

Next Episode Preview: Stroud hints at continuing the exploration of Greece's literary advancements post-Alphabet adoption, promising a deeper dive into how literacy and written records further influenced the English language.