This text serves as an introduction to Classical Greek, appropriate for a first year course. This text is in the development phase. Please join the discussion if you'd like to contribute.

Account of the construction of Athena Parthenos by Phidias
Account of the construction of Athena Parthenos by Phidias
Ancient Greek
An introduction to classical Greek language.

Before You Begin

As you probably already know, Greek and English use different alphabets. For this reason, you must ensure that your Internet browser can accurately render Greek lettering. If you don't, they will appear as gibberish. Below, you should see the first line of the Iliad.

μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος

Don't worry if you can't read the letters yet (that's the first lesson). You should see five words with a few types of accents. If you see question marks or boxes (even if you see a few Greek letters interspersed), you need to install a font which supports Polytonic Unicode Greek or upgrade your browser. If the size of the font makes reading uncomfortable for you, you may wish to adjust your browser or display settings.

Table of Contents

Chapter I: Introduction to Classical Greek

Chapter II: The Greek Noun

Chapter III: Verbs

Appendices