How did Greek poetic rhythms influence ancient Greek music?

In ancient Greek music, the rhythmic system was fundamentally derived from poetry. Unlike later Western traditions that rely on strong–weak accentual meter, Greek rhythm was based on quantitative relationships—specifically the duration of long and short syllables.12

This rhythmic structure was deeply integrated into the musical experience:

• Metrical Foundations: Greek and Latin verse utilized quantitative feet (such as iambic, trochaic, dactylic, and anapestic) to determine the flow of language. These patterns were not merely linguistic; they dictated the movement of the music itself.2
• Dramatic Application: Ancient Greek dramatists developed distinct metrical forms based on the requirements of the performance. For instance, "stichic" forms were used for spoken dialogue, while complex, intricate lyric or strophic forms were developed for the singing and chanting of choruses.3
• Ethos and Decorum: The choice of meter was governed by the principle of decorum, where specific rhythmic structures were deemed appropriate for the social status of a character or the emotional intensity of a situation. Certain meters were even associated with specific ethical characteristics, or ethos, mirroring the way different musical modes were perceived to influence the soul.341