Cynthia Damon

Eris vs. Aemulatio Cynthia Damon

Competition is everywhere in antiquity. It took many forms: the upper class competed with their peers and with historical and mythological predecessors; artists of all kinds emulated generic models and past masterpieces; philosophers and their schools vied with one another to give the best interpretation of the world; architects and doctors tried to outdo their fellow craftsmen. Discord and conflict resulted, but so did innovation, social cohesion, and political stability. In Hesiod's view Eris was not one entity but two, the one a "grievous goddess," the other an "aid to men." Eris vs. Aemulatio examines the functioning and effect of competition in ancient society, in both its productive and destructive aspects.