Head of Homer

myminifactory

This ancient marble head-portrait sculpture depicts Homer, a renowned poet of ancient Greece, widely regarded as the earliest major poet of the Western world. Around 8th or 7th century BC, Homer composed two epic poems, heavily influenced by earlier recited poems and songs that he had heard. The 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey', his most famous works, focus on the Trojan War and Odysseus' perilous journey home, respectively. These timeless masterpieces offer a glimpse into the social dynamics of ancient Greece during the post-Bronze Age era, while also referencing earlier cultures and objects that played significant roles in shaping their world. The poems were consistently recited at Greek festivals, serving as a foundation for education by illustrating exemplary models of behavior and heroism. A long-standing tradition portrays Homer as blind, a characteristic reflected in numerous portraits from the 4th century onwards. Despite ongoing debates about his birthplace, which often pitted Chios against Smyrna, historians agree that he hailed from the northern Ionian region.