"Queen Arete," he exclaimed, "daughter of great Rhexenor, in my distress I humbly pray you, as also your husband and these your guests
(whom may heaven prosper with long life and happiness, and may they leave their possessions to their children, and all the honours conferred
upon them by the state) to help me home to my own country as soon as possible; for I have been long in trouble and away from my friends."
Then he sat down on the hearth among the ashes and they all held their peace, till presently the old hero Echeneus, who was an excellent
speaker and an elder among the Phaeacians, plainly and in all honesty addressed them thus:
"Alcinous," said he, "it is not creditable to you that a stranger should be seen sitting among the ashes of your hearth; every one is waiting to
hear what you are about to say, tell him, then, to rise and take a seat on a stool inlaid with silver...."
When Alcinous heard this he took Ulysses by the hand, raised him from the hearth, and bade him take the seat of Laodamas, who had been
sitting beside him, and was his favourite son. A maid servant then brought him water in a beautiful golden ewer and poured it into a silver basin for
him to wash his hands, and she drew a clean table beside him; an upper servant brought him bread and offered him many good things, of what
there was in the house, and Ulysses ate and drank.
(from The Odyssey by Homer)
What can readers learn about ancient Greek culture based on the passage?
1. Ancient Greek royalty rarely displayed humility.
2. Ancient Greeks valued great feats over great wealth.
3. It was important in ancient Greece to show hospitality to strangers.
4. In ancient Greece, greater respect was given to a queen than to a king.

In the passage from Homer's "The Odyssey," readers can learn about ancient Greek culture through the emphasis on hospitality towards strangers. This cultural value is demonstrated by Queen Arete and her husband Alcinous' immediate response to Ulysses' plea for help to return home. Despite Ulysses' unkempt appearance and sitting among the ashes, he is shown kindness and respect. Alcinous takes Ulysses by the hand, offers him a seat of honor, provides water for washing, and serves him food and drink. This hospitality towards strangers, known as xenia, was a fundamental aspect of ancient Greek society.

Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of proper guest-host relationships in ancient Greek culture. The Phaeacians, as hosts, treat Ulysses with generosity and respect, showcasing their adherence to the social custom of xenia. This tradition was not only a moral obligation but also believed to have divine repercussions; mistreating a stranger could lead to divine retribution.

The portrayal of Queen Arete in the passage does not suggest that ancient Greeks gave greater respect to a queen than to a king. Instead, it exemplifies the importance of hospitality, regardless of social status. In ancient Greece, hospitality was a duty that transcended societal hierarchy, emphasizing the value placed on kindness and generosity towards others in need.

To summarize, based on the passage, readers can learn that in ancient Greek culture:
- Hospitality towards strangers, known as xenia, was a crucial societal value.
- Proper guest-host relationships were highly esteemed and carried moral and religious significance.
- Social status did not dictate the obligation to show kindness and respect to those in need.