Xenia and Civilization in the Odyssey Anonymous College

The Ancient Greek society that birthed the Odyssey, written around the eighth century BC by Homer, differed greatly from individualistic modern culture. Whereas today civilization can be defined in terms of technology, wealth, or healthcare, Ancient Greeks understood civilization through shared customs such as xenia, or hospitality between guests and hosts. This practice permeates the Odyssey. Along his journey, Odysseus encounters many foreign lands. The groups that inhabit these lands and even the environments themselves diverge from traditional Greek society. Through an analysis of Odysseus’s interactions with these communities, one can conclude that the implementation of xenia served as a meter against which the level of civilization and sophistication of these foreigners was measured.

In order to analyze Odysseus’s interactions, one must possess a proper understanding of Greek hospitality. Xenia refers to a system of exchange. However, unlike a barter or capitalist system, xenia was less concerned solely with the exchange of goods and centered more around strengthening relationships. The Greeks founded this practice on three principles: shared trust, symbolism, and cultural memory. Additionally, one must have the economic...