Homeric page

Homeric

The condition of a society without a bureaucratic state, similar to that described in Homer's Iliad. The Greek heroic age seems to have been a time when individual acts, personal following of a strong king were the main organising feature of society. Ancient Ireland and modern Afghanistan might be examples, also Albania before the second world war. It may be one aspect of feudalism. In most countries the growth of the state, seen in England from about the time of King Edward the first but most strongly from the time of Henry the seventh, gradually overcame the power of the great men to act without reference to the king's law.

Last revised 31/08/09

Since 14/10/11