Ancient Greek Art and Architecture Essay Example

traditions for two millenia. Additionally, Greek monuments often depicted statues of naked gods with eternal smiles in an attempt to showcase perfection in human form. The Ancient Greeks' religious beliefs have become more than just fictional stories; they have also given rise to Classical Greek architecture and "Classical Art". This style of architecture developed three distinct systems, or orders, each identified by its unique column style and proportional design.

The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders constitute the three styles of Greek architecture. The Doric order is the oldest and sturdiest style, often observed in Greece and famously utilized on the Parthenon. The Ionic order is recognized for its elegant scroll-like designs. The Corinthian order exhibits highly intricate detailing but was not as frequently used in ancient Greece.

Ancient and modern architectural forms often incorporate distinct styles designed for constructing temples dedicated to the gods. The Greeks valued daily life highly, and they are credited with inventing the first theater in the Western world. They also established Greek Theaters, which served as prominent venues for formal events.

The Greek theater was more than just a place for entertainment - it also served as a venue for poetry and music. These open, well-designed structures were perfect for amplifying sound, allowing the Greeks to showcase their pride through dramas, tragedies, comedies and share realistic fiction stories while paying homage to their gods. The masks worn during these productions became popular forms of Greek artwork and classical Greece can be credited with originating today's theater industry thanks to its exceptional show business and entertainment skills.

The writings of Greek dramatists, poets, and literature are incomparable in international entertainment traditions. Hesiod

was one such renowned poet whose works were a fundamental source of Greek mythology and daily life in Ancient Greece. In his work Theogony, Hesiod provides an account of the origins of Greek mythology, including the roles of gods, goddesses, heroes, and humans as well as fables and myths. Additionally, Hesiod is recognized for his portrayal of common people's lives during ancient Greek times. Aeschylus was similarly significant in theater contributions following Hesiod's footsteps.

Aeschylus, who is commonly known as "the Father of tragedy," introduced dialog into Greek theater and is credited with establishing Greek tragedy. Greek dramatists used their plays, literature, and poetry to portray past historical events and issues. Another notable Greek poet, Homer, wrote influential poems such as The Odyssey and The Iliad.

The famous Trojan war era was the time when these poems were written, and they held significant importance in Greek culture. The Iliad narrates true events, making it the oldest intact European literature, as claimed by Lassieur (57). The Odyssey, on the other hand, revolves around a fictional Greek character, depicting the harsh conditions people faced during that devastating time. Aristophanes, as a Greek playwright, highlighted political issues and problems Greeks and women faced during Classical times through his work. Furthermore, Greek fine arts created records that analysts use today.

Not only was Greek art aesthetically pleasing, but it also had practical uses in politics and economics. Greek temples were constructed to symbolize civic power, pride, and festivities. Along with these temples, Greek agoras were vital in achieving political equilibrium. These central gathering places were considered the "heart of the city," where individuals shared ideas and engaged in political discussions. In

fact, democratic principles and Greek laws were often posted for public viewing within these agoras.

Greek pottery was highly prized and standardized in various styles, techniques, and painting styles. It was sold across the Mediterranean. The Greeks had their own unique artwork style for vases, which influenced the design of the current Capital building. In fact, a Greek agora served as its "blueprint".

Lassieur (69) states that early Archaic Greek vases illustrated both mythological stories and ordinary existence. Despite their straightforward designs, numerous specimens of these vases remain in museums worldwide, providing historians with insight into ancient Greeks' daily routines and aiding them in developing hypotheses about contemporary lifestyles. Moreover, Greek aqueducts had a long-lasting influence on water systems and construction methods by conveying water from its origin to areas of lower effectiveness.

The primary purpose of aqueducts was to provide water access for villages situated far from direct water supplies due to geographical obstacles. Gravity was utilized to help farmers and villagers obtain water for drinking, irrigation, and other necessities. Xenophon, a student of Socrates and philosopher, played a crucial role in enhancing the implementation of these structures by introducing reforms. He described how philosophers would visit farms and inspect the work being done while focusing on details and suggesting improvements to existing methods. Through their guidance, these philosophers were able to contribute to the development of aqueducts and increase the availability of water sources in Greek life.

The Ancient Greeks implemented aqueducts to create a communal water source for each city-state, a tradition that endures to the present day. The use of water mills and aqueducts in daily life was integral in shaping our modern

system. Furthermore, Greek art has had a profound global influence on the development of art. Despite language differences, Greek culture has played a crucial role in unifying diverse regions both historically and presently.

Despite the destruction caused by earthquakes and looting on archeological records of important works from ancient Greece, their impact on contemporary life remains apparent. The global influence of Ancient Greek art endures and still fascinates audiences today.