Greek Classics You Can Turn Into Audiobooks (Free, Public Domain)

The Greek classics began as spoken word — Homer was performed aloud centuries before anyone wrote him down. So it is fitting that the foundations of Western literature and philosophy, all firmly in the public domain, make superb audiobooks you can create for free.

Why the Greek Classics Belong in Audio

This is literature born from an oral tradition. The epics were sung; the philosophy was taught in dialogue; the tragedies were performed. Heard aloud, they return to their natural form — and often become far more approachable than they look on the page.

Where to Start

• The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer — the founding epics.
• The Republic and The Apology by Plato — philosophy as conversation.
• The tragedies of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus — Oedipus, Medea, and more.
• Aesop's Fables — short, timeless, perfect for short listens.
• The Histories of Herodotus — the first great work of history.

A Note on Translations

Use a public-domain translation (older editions such as those on Project Gutenberg) so you are free to convert and even publish. Newer copyrighted translations are not free to use.

Further Reading

• Philosophy Audiobooks for Beginners
• The 10 Best Stoicism Audiobooks
• The Best History Audiobooks You Can Make Free