Understanding Classicism: Key Principles

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'classic' typically refer to?

Something that is outdated

The first or best of its kind (correct)

A generally popular book or movie

An artistic style exclusive to the Greeks

Which of the following is NOT one of the aesthetic principles of classicism produced by the Greeks?

Balance

Clarity

Harmonious proportion

Complexity (correct)

Heinrich Schliemann is known for uncovering artifacts from which ancient civilization?

Trojan

Greeks

Minoans

Mycenaeans (correct)

What is the notable aspect of the Minoan civilization discovered by Sir Arthur Evans?

It was named after a legendary king, Minos. Signup and view all the answers

Which legendary creature is associated with the Minoan civilization?

The Minotaur Signup and view all the answers

How were the Mycenaeans different from the Minoans?

They were aggressive and focused on control of territories. Signup and view all the answers

What are the titles of the two epic poems about the war between Mycenae and Troy?

The Iliad and The Odyssey Signup and view all the answers

Who is traditionally recognized as the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey?

Homer Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of Zeus in Greek mythology?

God of the sky and ruler of the deities Signup and view all the answers

Which Greek goddess is associated with wisdom and war?

Athena Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Greek Golden Age period, spanning 480-430 BCE?

It is recognized for significant cultural and intellectual achievements. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did geography have on ancient Greek city-states?

It led to the evolution of independent city-states. Signup and view all the answers

Which alliance was formed by the Greek city-states after the Persian Wars?

The Delian League Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the father of history?

Herodotus Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'democracy' originate from in Greek?

Power of the people Signup and view all the answers

Which events brought the Greek Golden Age to an end?

The defeat of Athens Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated number of citizens in Athens compared to its total population?

40,000 citizens out of 250,000 total Signup and view all the answers

In Greek mythology, who was Deucalion?

The Greek Noah who built a boat to survive a flood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of "Classic"

Refers to something recognized as the first or best of its kind.

Aesthetic Principles of Classics

Emphasizes clarity, simplicity, balance, regularity, and harmonious proportion.

Classicism Ideals

Characterized by reason, moderation, and dignity.

Archaeological Discoveries

Heinrich Schliemann discovered artifacts of ancient Troy and the Mycenaean civilization, which established on the Greek mainland around 1600 B.C.E.
Sir Arthur Evans uncovered the Minoan civilization on Crete, named after the mythical King Minos.

Minoan Legends

The most famous legend features a half-man, half-bull creature born from the union of Minos' queen and a sacred white bull.

Differences Between the Mycenaeans and Minoans

Mycenaeans were more aggressive and fought for control over the eastern regions, unlike the Minoans.

Epic Poems of the Trojan War

Epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" narrate the ten-year conflict between the Mycenaeans and Troy.

Authorship of Epic Poems

Traditionally attributed to the poet Homer, though there is uncertainty regarding his existence and time.

Greek Deities

Zeus: God of the sky and ruler of deities.
Hera: Ruler of deities.
Poseidon: God of the sea.
Apollo: God of light, medicine, and music.
Dionysus: God of wine and vegetation.
Athena: Goddess of wisdom and war.
Aphrodite: Goddess of love, beauty, and procreation.

Deucalion

Resembles the Greek Noah; built a boat to survive Zeus's flood.

Greek Views on Life After Death

Life after death was not primarily regarded as a religious concept.

Classical Greeks' Identity

They called their country "Hellas" and themselves "Hellenes."

Impact of Greek Geography

Geography fostered the development of independent city-states due to mountainous terrain and travel interruptions.

Unity Against Enemies

Greek city-states typically quarreled but united against Imperial Persia.

First Historian

Herodotus is recognized as the "father of history."

Greek Golden Age

Spanning 480-430 BCE, known for cultural and political achievements following the Persian Wars.

Uniqueness of Athens

Athens emerged as a leading power after claiming victory in the Persian War.

Meaning of Democracy

Derives from Greek terms "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power), meaning government by the people.

Athenian Citizenship

Estimated 40,000 landowning men qualified as citizens from a population of 250,000; women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded.

Delian League

Alliance of city-states formed post-Persian Wars.

End of the Golden Age

Concluded with the defeat of Athens.

Historian of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides documented this conflict.

First Olympic Games

Held in 776 B.C.E. as part of the Panhellenic Festival.

Origins of "Stadium" and "Gymnasium"

"Stadium" comes from "Stadion," a reference to a 200-yard sprint.
"Gymnasium" derives from "Gymnos," meaning naked, related to athletic training.

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Description

Explore the essence of classicism in art and culture. This quiz delves into the aesthetic principles laid out by the Greeks and examines the related ideals that define classicism. Test your knowledge on the key elements that characterize what we consider classics.