Mr. Wright's Art Class: Living with Art, Chapter 14 - Ancient Mediterranean, Part 2

William Wright36 minutes read

The text explores the development of civilizations in the Aegean region, specifically focusing on the artistic and architectural evolution from the Cycladic era to Roman times, showcasing advancements in art, culture, and engineering. The influence of Greek culture on Rome, the destruction and excavation of Pompeii, and the architectural innovations of the Romans all highlight the interconnectedness and evolution of ancient Mediterranean civilizations.

Insights

  • The Aegean region, between Greece and Turkey, is crucial for Mediterranean civilization's origins, with the Cycladic era's geometric art influencing future movements like Cubism.
  • The evolution of Greek culture through geometric, archaic, and classical periods focused on athletic events, anatomical studies, and sculpture, with the Parthenon and other structures showcasing advanced architectural techniques and the Greeks' deep understanding of visual effects.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Aegean region?

    The Aegean region, located between Greece and Turkey, is crucial as it marks the origins of civilized cultures in the Mediterranean.

  • How did the collapse of Mycenaean dominance impact Greece?

    The collapse around 1100 BCE led to a Greco-Dark Age, possibly due to Phoenician conquests, followed by the rise of Greek city-states.

  • What architectural achievements are associated with the Parthenon?

    The Parthenon, overseen by Phidias, showcases advanced techniques like Doric columns with zentasis and a design that counters visual distortions.

  • What cultural impact did Alexander the Great have?

    Alexander the Great's conquests during the Hellenistic period spread Greek culture, emphasizing naturalistic depictions of the human figure.

  • How did Roman cities influence European urban structures?

    Roman cities, with forums, temples, and basilicas, influenced later European city structures, showcasing advanced urban planning and governance.

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Summary

00:00

Ancient Aegean to Classical Greece: Art Evolution

  • The Aegean region, situated between modern-day Greece and Turkey, marks the beginning of civilized cultures in the Mediterranean.
  • The Cycladic era, from 3300 to 2000 BCE, showcases geometric abstractions in art, influencing later movements like Cubism.
  • The Minoans, centered around Crete, venerated bulls in their art due to their mythological origins, leading to the myth of the Minotaur.
  • The Mycenaeans, known for their gold-working techniques, constructed walled cities and elaborate tombs with golden grave goods.
  • The collapse of Mycenaean dominance around 1100 BCE led to a Greco-Dark Age, possibly due to Phoenician conquests, followed by the rise of Greek city-states.
  • The Phoenicians likely introduced advanced technologies, including the early alphabet, to the Greeks during this period.
  • Greek culture evolved through the geometric, archaic, and classical periods, with a focus on athletic events, anatomical studies, and the development of sculpture and drawing.
  • The archaic period saw the influence of Egyptian art on Greek sculptures, leading to the creation of Kouroi and Korai figures.
  • The use of red and black figure styles on amphorae allowed Greeks to depict stories and athletic events, showcasing a deep understanding of the human body.
  • The classical period marked the study of proportions in art, leading to the creation of naturalistic and accurate sculptures and drawings.

15:01

Greek and Roman Art and Architecture

  • Contrapposto is emphasized in Greek art, allowing figures to appear more natural with tilted hips and movement in various body parts.
  • Pericles leads the rebuilding of the Acropolis in Athens during the fifth century BC, focusing on architecture and sculpture.
  • The Parthenon, Temple of Nike, and coliseums are developed under Phidias' oversight, showcasing advanced architectural techniques like Doric columns with zentasis.
  • The Parthenon's design includes columns with a slight bulge to counter visual distortions, showcasing Greek understanding of visual effects.
  • The Parthenon originally featured a 30-foot tall ivory and gold statue of Athena, created by Phidias, with replicas available for viewing.
  • The Hellenistic period sees the spread of Greek culture through Alexander the Great's conquests, highlighting naturalistic depictions of the human figure.
  • Rome's foundation in 510 BC leads to the Roman Republic's establishment, evolving into an empire under Augustus in 27 BC.
  • Rome absorbs Greek artistic culture, focusing on naturalistic and accurate sculptures of specific individuals like Augustus and Marcus Aurelius.
  • Pompeii, a Roman city near Mount Vesuvius, is destroyed in 79 CE by a volcanic eruption, later rediscovered in 1748 and excavated in the 19th century.
  • Roman cities feature a forum for public gatherings, a temple of Jupiter, and a basilica for governance and law, influencing later European city structures.

29:39

"Pompeii: Roman Architecture and Daily Life"

  • Pompeii showcases early use of concrete in architecture, a key element that enabled Rome's rapid and sturdy construction capabilities.
  • The city streets in Pompeii, complete with crosswalks for horses and carts, resemble modern-day urban planning, aiding in cleanliness and ease of movement.
  • Pompeii's concrete structures also featured advanced running water systems, highlighting the importance of water management in Roman culture.
  • The city reveals insights into Roman daily life through preserved kitchens, kilns, and amphitheaters, like the one in Pompeii, which hosted various events including Pink Floyd's 1972 concert.
  • Revolutionary Roman bathrooms with fast-moving water for cleanliness and sewage systems were a significant advancement in sanitation.
  • Pompeii's frescoes depict Roman life, from brothels to lavish homes, showcasing cultural and artistic aspects of the era.
  • Roman architectural innovations, like vaults, domes, and aqueducts, were pivotal in their conquests and cultural influence, shaping the empire's grandeur and engineering prowess.
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