Greek Civilization PDF

Greek Civilization Origin: Ancient Greek civilization began in the Mediterranean, between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. One of the most famous, rich and unique civilizations the world had ever known. Origin: The Greek civilization started in the Balkan Peninsula, but some Gr...

Greek Civilization Origin: Ancient Greek civilization began in the Mediterranean, between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. One of the most famous, rich and unique civilizations the world had ever known. Origin: The Greek civilization started in the Balkan Peninsula, but some Greeks lived in Islands and in Asia Minor (Turkey. They started to live together in city-states or polis, which had its own government, laws and army. Athens and Sparta were important city-states. Greek History: Greek civilization started around 2000 BC., the Greek People had built fortified cities in the major valleys and many people were educated. Greece then had several wars including the Trojan War around 1200 BC, which threw them into what is known as the Dark Age. Greek History: During the Dark Age, knowledge of writing was lost, and most people lived in isolated villages. The Dark Age ended in about 800 BC when the Greeks started to write again with an alphabet based on that of the Phoenicians. Greek History: Around 477 BC, two city states, Athens and Sparta became the dominant powers in that region and constantly fought each other for power. Greece had its Golden Age in Athens around 477 – 431 BC. Greek History: In 344 BC, Alexander the Great, leader of the country of Macedonia to the north conquered the Greeks and started what is called the Hellenistic Age. Greece unwillingly remained under Macedonian control until the Romans conquered both Macedonia and Greece around 140 BC. Greek History: Greece became part of the eastern or Byzantine Empire and Greek literature became the basis for learning in Byzantine institutions, especially in Constantinople, its capital. When Constantinople was destroyed by the Turks in 1453 AD., the Greek literature stored there spread to the rest of Europe and helped start the Renaissance. Greek History: Ancient Greek civilization was preceded by two other civilizations: Minoan Civilizations: Crete Mycenaean Civilization: Peloponnese Peninsula Minoan Civilization (2500 – 1300 BC) Because of its location on trade routes between Africa, Asia and Europe, craftwork developed. This economic development led to the emergence of the Minoan Civilization. In cities such as Knossos, the palace was the center of power, Around 1450 BC, the Minoan culture had been destroyed. Minoan Civilization (2500 – 1300 BC) The Mycenaean Civilization emerged on the Peloponnese Peninsula 1700 and 1500 BC. This Civilization was divided into small kingdoms ruled by lings. Mycenaean palaces were royal residences. They were protected by massive walls. The most important palace was in Mycenae. The Mycenean Civilization experienced a crisis between the years 1200 and 1150 BC which marked its decline. Following decline, Greece entered a Dark Age (1200 – 800 BC. Periods of Greek Civilization Archaic Period What art was recovered from this period? Sculpture Pottery Architecture Art Reflects: Order Balance Elegance and Beauty Idealized the Human Figure Perfect Proportions Art Forms Architecture Greek life was dominated by religion, so it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece built to honor their gods were the biggest and most beautiful. They also had a political purpose as they were often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or to offer thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war. Architecture The fundamental aim of Ancient architecture was the citizens would enjoy looking at it. In Greek architecture, columns provided support for a building. The Greeks made columns in white stone. Architecture The Ancient Greeks used the trabeated style also known as post and lintel. Temples were ;the most important buildings, built in stone. Architecture The Greeks developed three architectural systems, called orders, each with their own distinctive proportions and detailing. Doric Order This was the oldest order. The column had no base, the shaft was thick and fluted, and the capital was made up of three rectilinear pieces; the abacus, echinus, and necking. In the entablature, the most important element was the frieze, divided into triglyphs (three vertical bands) and flat sections called metopes, where bas-reliefs were usually car ved. Doric Order Parthenon Built as a temple of Athena Parthenos (Virgin) in the Doric Style, the Greek goddess of wisdom, on the Acropolis in Athens. Built in the 5 th Century BC. Doric Order The Acropolis Greek word meaning “high city”. The Athenian Acropolis rises from the plain of Attica to 500 feet above sea level. In times of attack the Acropolis became the last for t of defense. The Acropolis hill, so called the “sacred rock” of Athens, is the most impor tant site of the city. The Acropolis contains some of the world’s most famous structures built in the classical architectural style. Ionic Order The column had a base and was slender, with a narrow shaft and grooves. The capital was made up of spirals known as volutes. The entablature was divided into two sections: architrave and frieze. The frieze was not divided up. Ionic Order Erechtheum Temple from the middle classical period of Greek art and architecture. Built on the Acropolis of Athens between 421 and 405 BC. Contained sanctuaries to Athena Polias, Poseidon, and Erechteus. Ionic Order The Temple of Apollo at Didyma The Greeks built the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Turkey (about 300 BC). The design of the temple was known as dipteral, a term that refers to the two sets of columns surrounding the interior section. Ionic Order The Temple of Athena Nike Nike means “victor y” in Greek , and Athena was worshipped in this form, as goddess of victory in war and wisdom on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Her temple was the earliest fully ionic temple on the Acropolis, compensated by its prominent position on a steep bastion at the southwest corner of the Acropolis to the right of the entrance. Corinthian Order This order was the most common during the Hellenistic period and extremely influential after that. It had similar characteristics to the Ionic order, but the capital was different. It was made up of a basket from which acanthus leaves emerged. Corinthian Order Most ornate of the classic orders of architecture. It was also the latest, not arriving at full development until the middle of the 4 th century BC. The oldest known example, however, is found in the temple of Apollo at Bassae (420 BC.) Examples: Sanctuar y of Apollo Sacred home of the Greek God Apollo (God of sun, light, truth, music, archery, and healing) Greeks believed Apollo could communicate to humans through a human medium called the Pythia Located at Delphi (the site of the Pythian Games – a festival and competition of music, dance and poetry. Examples: Par thenon, Acropolis Located in Athens, Greece Temple built for Goddess Athena (Goddess of Athens, wisdom, war, victor y, and civilization) Acropolis – complex of buildings Perfect Harmony and Balance (Golden Section) Designed by Kallikrates and Iktinos (architects) Doric Columns Examples: East Pediment of the Par thenon Also known as the “Elgin Marbles’ because British earl of Elgin bought the pediment and later gave it to British government (today it’s in the British Museum). Originally over 90 feet long – now missing its central par t – less than 40 feet sur vives (probably destroyed by Christians in the 5 th centur y when Par thenon was conver ted to a church). Examples: East Pediment of the Parthenon Figures illustrate the birth of Athena (goddess of wisdom and civilization). Nude figure on the left is Dionysos (God of wine). Pediment: A triangular gable found over major architectural elements such as porticos, windows, or doors. Examples: Centaur and Lapith Metope One of the Metopes of the Par thenon (originally 92 in number) on the outside walls. Centaur is a mythological creature that has the lower body of a horse and upper body of a human. The Lapiths are legendar y people of Greek mythology. According to one version of the myth, the Centaurs, insulted from being excluded from a wedding celebration, attacked the Lapiths. Metope A metope is a rectangular architectural element that fills the space between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze. Important Buildings: Temples Such as the Parthenon in Athens, which honored Athena, the patron of Athens. Theaters Were built on hillsides to create rows or seats (seating area, orchestra, proscenium). Sculpture Greek sculpture focuses on the human form and shows an ideal of beauty, proportion and balance. There were three stages: archaic, classical and Hellenistic age. Sculpture Greek sculpture has had a profound effect throughout the ages. The Greeks used many different types of materials in their sculptures including stone, marble and limestones as these were abundant in Greece. Other materials such as clay were also used but due to their brittle nature ver y few have sur vived. Greek sculptures are ver y impor tant as the vast majority of them tell us a stor y abut Gods, Heroes, Events, Mythical Creatures and Greek culture in general. Sculpture Archaic Period The earliest period in Greek Sculpture which started around 600 B.C and lasted until 480 BC. These works have a stiff and ridged appearance similar to that of the Egyptian sculpture. Sculpture Archaic Period Greeks began to carve stone. Human form is the most important subject in art. Human body is both secular and sacred. Sculpture Three Types of Figures 1. Standing Nude Youth 2. Standing Draped Girl 3. Seated Woman Examples: Anavysos Kourus Kourus means “young man” in Greek Represents the ideal “perfect” young man (strong, athletic, smooth skin, classic features). Classic pose (one foot for ward, hands at the sides) Archaic smile Pose is similar to Egyptians figures. Examples: Peplos Kore Kore – “young women” Peplos – style of dress that she is wearing. Archaic smile Originally wore a metal crown and jewelr y Originally painted with patterns of animals Missing left forearm – arm once help an object that would have identifies her role. Sculpture Classical Period Between the Archaic and Hellenistic times. Shows a very large shift from the shift Archaic to a more realistic and sometimes idealistic portrayal of the human figure. The robes gave the sculpture the idea of movement and realism in an effort by the artist to show humans more naturally and realistically. Sculpture Classical Period Revolution of Greek sculpture. Changes in the style and function of sculpture and increase in technical skill of sculptors. Examples: Polykleitos Polykleitos, the sculptor created a “Canon” – perfect proportions of human figure. Figure originally held a spear (warrior) Contrapposto (gentle s-cur ve pose) Naturalism Counterbalance Harmony Examples: Dying Warrior From the Temple of Aphaia, Aegina Greece Naturalistic (Classical characteristics) Diagonal movement Figure tr ying to lift himself up using his shield Warrior is focused on his own pain and does not look out to the viewer. Examples: Discus Thrower Sculpture is a copy by the Romans (who loved Greek art) Discus Throwing is an Olympic sport Greeks started the original Olympic Games in 776 BCE Anatomy of the human figure Movement of the figure Examples: Lysippos Lysippos was the cour t ar tist of Alexander the Great, King of Ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon “Other ar tists make men as they are, I make them as they appear.” Athlete scraping off sweat and dust using a scraping tool called a strigil. Contrapposto with arm stretched out. Roman copy from original bronze. Sculpture Hellenistic Period Star ted a little before 300 BC. To the average person, it is more difficult to see the distinctions between the classical and Hellenistic period. Both periods did the majority of their sculpture as nudes. The Greeks por trayed a young, vigorous, and athletic person in their works. These works idealized the individual and, in a way, attempted to capture the idea of youth and strength in their design. The works reflect the commonly held views of youth, strength, courage, and beauty which were encouraged in the Greek City states. Sculpture Hellenistic Period Many sculptures previously considered classical masterpieces are really of the Hellenistic age. Examples: Venus de Milo Greek Title – Aphrodite of Melos Classic Beauty of the Female Form Elongated Body with S – cur ve pose (contrapposto) “Erotic” tension of her draper y falling off her body. Arms broken off 0 originally holding an apple (found in a field on the Island of Melos in 1820) Examples: Nike of Samothrace Nike – Greek Goddess of Victory Sometimes called “Winged Victory” Monument which originally stood on a hill (Victory Monument) Louvre Museum, Paris Painting (Greek Dark Age – 1200 – 800 BC) Protogeometric Style – features concentric circles and patterns of straight, wavy, and zigzag lines. This reflects technological innovations, namely the multi-heads brush (for painting parallel lines) and the compass (for painting circles). Emphasized by sparseness. Painting (Archaic Age – 800 – 500 BC) Mythology, legends, and daily life. Known mainly from vase painting. However, it wasn’t limited to pottery. Murals, frescoes, and panels. Three phases: geometric, orientalizing, and black – figure. Painting (Archaic Age – 800 – 500 BC) Geometric Style Elevated geometric decoration to new heights of complexity. Features a variety of patterns, such as checkers, repeated shapes, and meanders. Human or animal figures – they are rigidly stylized. Painting (Archaic Age – 800 – 500 BC) Orientalizing Due to its adoption of images from eastern lands (e.g., lions, sphinxes Divided into two main styles  Protoattic Style  Large jar s, essentially takes the geometric style and adds large figures.  Protocorinthian Style Small figures and light geometric elements (e.g., rosettes) Painting (Archaic Age – 800 – 500 BC) Black Figure Style Silhouettes of figures are painted in solid black (typically on a vibrant orange background. Details are then added by cutting lines into the silhouettes. Beginning of narrative scenes in Greek potter y decoration (i.e., scenes that tell a stor y – these scenes ae usually framed with geometric elements) Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Age of “realistic wall painting”. Reveals grasp of linear perspective and naturalist representation which would remain unsurpassed until the Italian High Renaissance. Apart from vase-painting, all types of painting flourished during the classical period. Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Features three-dimensional perspective and shading. Painting Greek Style is also found in Pompeii and Egypt. Painting was also used to enhance architecture works, and sculptures. Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Abduction of Persephone (Vergina Tombs) Finest painting of Vergina Tombs Skillful use of shading. Foreshortening Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Chariot Mural (Vergina Tombs) Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Red Figure Style Black figure technique was reversed: orange silhouttes were formed by painting around them in black , allowing interior details to be painted rather than incised. More control in drawing smooth cur ves or var ying the thickness of lines. It also allowed for gradients of color, since the black paint could be diluted to acquire shades of brown. Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Panel Painting According to authors like Pliny (23 – 79 CE) or Pausanias (active 143 – 176 CE), it is the highest and respected form of art done in encaustic (wax) or tempera. Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Pitsa Panels Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Wall/Fresco Painting Flat, sharply outlined style. Common method of mural decoration in temples, public buildings, houses and tombs but these larger artworks generally had a lower reputation than panel paintings. 8 few examples survive; the finest collection may be that of the Tomb of the Diver, discovered at a Greek settlement in southern Italy. Classical/Hellenistic Age (500 B.C – 0) Tomb of the Diver Pottery Pottery from the time have survived. These are often decorated with geometrical patterns, imaginary animals, and plants figures representing scene from mythology or daily life. Ancient Greek Pottery Human figures Animals Ornamental shapes Geometric patterns The figures were always painted so that they and their story fitted the shape of the vase. Always linear Types of Vases Black Figure Style Black painted figures on terra – cotta red background. Types of Vases Red Figure Style Background painted black and images appeared in terra- cotta red. Examples: Francois Vase Discovered by a French archaeologist, Francois. Signed by the painter and the potter. Black Figure Potter y (black on red decoration) Volute Crater Shape Many stories, including the stor y of the wedding of King Peleus. 200 animals and Human figures. Examples: Euthymides Painted by Euthymides Amphora Vase Form (Wine Storage Jar) Theme of Three Revelers relates to the wine storage jar (revelers are people celebrating in a lively and noisy way). Figures in ¾ View (Foreshortening) Decorative Patterns Literature The Greeks loved stories and tales. Poet Homer, wrote famous Greek epics, “Iliad” and Odyssey”. Poet Hesiod – wrote about Greek gods and goddesses. Epic poetry and lyric poetry. Drama and theater: tragedy and comedy Literature Inspired later Western writers, e.g., William Shakespeare. Influenced the later western dramas and theaters. The ancient Greeks loved stories. They created many marvelous stories, myths, and fables that we enjoy today like Odysseus and the Terrible Sea and Circe, a beautiful but evil enchantress. Aesop’s Fables, written by Aesop, and ancient Greek, are still read and enjoyed all over the world. Music Music was present almost universally in Greek society, from marriages and funerals to religious ceremonies, theater, folk music and the ballad – like reciting of epic poetry,. There are significant fragments of actual Greek musical notation as well as many literary references to ancient Greek music. Greek art depicts musical instruments and dance. The word music derives from the name of the Muses, the daughters of Zeus who were patron goddesses of the arts. Dance Dance was very important to the ancient Greeks. They believed that dance improved both physical and emotional health. Rarely did men and women dance together. Some dances were danced by men and others by women. Dance There were more than 200 ancient Greek dances; comic dances, warlike dances, dances for athletes and for religious worship, plus dances for weddings, funerals, and celebrations. Dance was accompanied by music played on lyres, flutes, and a wide variety of percussion instruments such as tambourines, cymbals and castanets. Theater Theater was a huge part of ancient Greek culture, with theaters in every town and competitions to find the best playwrights and actors. The word theater comes from the Greek “Theatron”, which described the seating section of the outdoor arenas where people watched plays. Comedies, tragedies and satirical plays were all invented by the Geeks. Theater Theater is centered in Athens where it was institutionalized as part of a festival called the Dionysia, which honored the god Dionysus. Tragedy (late 6 th century BC), comedy (486 BC) and the satyr play were the three dramatic genres to emerge there. The Stage Three Main portions of Greek Theater: Skene – portion of stage where actors performed (included 1-3 doors in and out) Orchestra – “Dancing Place” where chorus sang to the audience. Theatron – Seating for audience. The Stage Theatron The Theatron (viewing place) is where the spectators sat. the Theatron was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around a large portion of the orchestra. The Stage Orchestra The orchestra (literally dancing space) was normally circular. It was a level space where dance, sing and interact with the actors who were at the stage (called the Proskenion) in front of the skene. In the center of the orchestra there was often an altar. The Stage Skene The skene (literally “tent”) was the building directly in back of the stage, and was usually decorated as a place, temple, or other buildings, depending on the needs of the play. It had at least one set of doors, and actors could make entrances and exits through them. The Stage Parados The paradoi (passageway) are the paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits. Where and how were the dramas performed? In an amphitheater. With a chorus who described most of the action. With masks. With all the fighting and movement going on off stage. With tragedy. Major Greek Dramatists Dramatist Born Wrote Seven Against Aeschylus 524 BC Thebes Antigone Sophocles 496 BC Oedipus Euripides 480 BC Medea The Theater of Dionysus The first plays were performed in the Theater of Dionysus, built in the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens at the beginning of the 5 th century. These theaters proved to be so popular they soon spread all over Greece. Types of Greek Drama Comedy Tragedy Satyr Types of Greek Drama Satyr Plays These were short plays performed between the acts of tragedies. They made fun of the plight of the tragedy’s characters. The satyrs were mythical half- human, half-goat servants of Dionysus. Thank You!