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The Homeric epics became foundational elements of late [[Greeks|Greek]] and [[Hellenistic]] culture, as well as informing ancient Greek and [[Rome|Roman]] notions of morality and history. The epics, together, taught the importance of ''[[arete]]''—noble, virtuous warfare, without excess and with respect for one's fatherland—along with defining mankind's relation with the [[polytheism|gods]] in the Greek [[cosmology]], along with various other cultural notions. As an example of their importance, [[Alexander the Great]] is said to have slept with the two epics either under his pillow, or at his side.<ref>Plutarch, ''Vitae Parallae'', Life of Alexander.</ref>

[[Image:Rembrandt Aristotle contemplating a bust of Homer.jpg|thumb|left|200px| ''Aristotle contemplating a bust of Homer'' by [[Rembrandt]] (1653)]]

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