I had an exam last week and I couldn't answer this question: What was economic and social status of poets in Ancient Greece in different time periods (under aristocratic, tyrannic and democratic government).
I was searching the internet and mostly studied from Whithmarsh book about Ancient Greece literature, but couldn't find an answer.
There's not much information to find, as far as I know. The only thing I can think of for you to do is to look up a few of them in this manner:
1. go to www.google.com
2. enter aeschylus economic + social status
3. press Enter and read lots. (Be prepared; you might not find much along the lines you're searching aside from a general biography and a list of known works.)
Replace the poet's name with others you want to know about. Here's an extensive list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ancient_Greek_poets
Also ... make sure you are clear on the meaning of "extant."
To answer your question about the economic and social status of poets in Ancient Greece during different time periods, particularly under aristocratic, tyrannic, and democratic governments, you would need to consider various historical sources and scholarly interpretations.
While it is true that there is limited information available specifically about the economic and social status of poets in Ancient Greece, there are some general patterns that can be observed. Let's break it down by the three government types you mentioned:
1. Aristocratic government: During this period, which predates the emergence of democracy in Greece, poets were primarily supported by aristocratic patrons. These patrons often provided them with the necessary resources to pursue their literary endeavors. Poets would often perform at various social and cultural events hosted by the aristocracy, which helped increase their social standing.
2. Tyrannic government: In Ancient Greece, a tyrant was an individual who gained power through non-hereditary means. Under some tyrannical regimes, poets were often employed as propagandists or courtiers to enhance the ruler's reputation and maintain control over the population. While this offered some level of stability and financial support, poets' freedom of expression may have been compromised to cater to the tyrant's agenda.
3. Democratic government: In the context of a democratic government, poets experienced a different type of social and economic status. Democracy allowed for a more free and open society, fostering an environment where poets could express their thoughts and ideas more independently. However, their economic conditions might have varied more widely, as they often relied on public support or private patrons for funding.
Given the scarcity of specific information on this topic, it is important to consult a variety of academic sources and consider different interpretations of historical texts. The book you mentioned, Whitmarsh's "Ancient Greek Literature," is indeed a valuable resource, but it is worth broadening your search and exploring other scholarly works and articles on the subject. Exploring anthologies of poetry from different time periods or referencing primary historical accounts may also offer insights into the economic and social status of poets in Ancient Greece.
Remember that studying Ancient Greece involves exploring a wide range of sources and perspectives, so don't be discouraged if you couldn't find a direct answer. The process of research involves examining different viewpoints, analyzing evidence, and formulating your own well-informed interpretation.