Intro to Greek Archaeology

🏺Intro to Greek Archaeology Unit 5 – The Classical Period

The Classical Period of Ancient Greece, spanning from the early 5th century BCE to 323 BCE, was a time of immense cultural and political development. This era saw the rise of Athens, conflicts with Persia and Sparta, and the flourishing of art and philosophy. Key events include the Persian Wars, the Peloponnesian War, and Alexander the Great's conquests. The period is renowned for its architectural marvels like the Parthenon, as well as advancements in sculpture, literature, and democratic governance.

What's This Unit About?

  • Covers the Classical Period of Ancient Greece, which spans from the early 5th century BCE to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE
  • Explores the political, social, and cultural developments that shaped the Greek world during this time
  • Examines the rise of Athens as a dominant power and its conflicts with other city-states (Sparta)
  • Investigates the flourishing of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy during the Classical Period
  • Analyzes the impact of the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War on Greek society
  • Studies the expansion of Greek influence under Alexander the Great and the beginning of the Hellenistic Period

Key Time Periods and Dates

  • Early Classical Period (480-450 BCE)
    • Marked by the Greek victories in the Persian Wars and the rise of Athens
  • High Classical Period (450-400 BCE)
    • Characterized by the Athenian Golden Age and the construction of the Parthenon
  • Late Classical Period (400-323 BCE)
    • Defined by the Peloponnesian War, the rise of Macedon, and the conquests of Alexander the Great
  • 480 BCE: Battle of Salamis, decisive Greek victory over the Persians
  • 454 BCE: Treasury of the Delian League moved to Athens, marking Athenian dominance
  • 431-404 BCE: Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta
  • 336-323 BCE: Reign of Alexander the Great

Major Historical Events

  • Persian Wars (499-449 BCE)
    • Conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire
    • Key battles: Marathon (490 BCE), Thermopylae (480 BCE), Salamis (480 BCE), Plataea (479 BCE)
  • Delian League (478-404 BCE)
    • Military alliance led by Athens to counter Persian threat
    • Evolved into Athenian empire, causing resentment among other city-states
  • Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE)
    • Conflict between Athens and Sparta for dominance in Greece
    • Ended with Spartan victory and the decline of Athenian power
  • Rise of Macedon under Philip II (359-336 BCE)
    • United Greek city-states under Macedonian hegemony
  • Conquests of Alexander the Great (336-323 BCE)
    • Expanded Greek influence across the Near East and created the Hellenistic world

Art and Architecture Highlights

  • Parthenon (447-432 BCE)
    • Iconic temple dedicated to Athena on the Athenian Acropolis
    • Epitomizes Classical Greek architecture with its Doric columns and sculptural frieze
  • Sculpture
    • Transition from Archaic to Classical style, emphasizing naturalism and idealized human form
    • Famous works: Kritios Boy, Doryphoros (Spear Bearer) by Polykleitos, Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles
  • Vase painting
    • Red-figure technique replaced black-figure, allowing for greater detail and expression
    • Depicted mythological scenes, daily life, and historical events
  • Theater
    • Tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides explored human nature and moral dilemmas
    • Comedies by Aristophanes satirized contemporary Athenian society and politics

Important Archaeological Sites

  • Acropolis of Athens
    • Includes the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike
    • Represents the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture and urban planning
  • Agora of Athens
    • Central public space for political, commercial, and social activities
    • Contains important buildings such as the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus
  • Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
    • Pan-Hellenic religious center famous for its oracle
    • Features the Temple of Apollo, Treasury of the Athenians, and the theater
  • Olympia
    • Site of the ancient Olympic Games held every four years in honor of Zeus
    • Includes the Temple of Zeus, which housed the famous statue of Zeus by Phidias (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World)

Influential Figures and Their Contributions

  • Pericles (495-429 BCE)
    • Athenian statesman who led Athens during its Golden Age
    • Initiated the construction of the Parthenon and other public buildings
    • Promoted democracy, arts, and culture
  • Phidias (c. 480-430 BCE)
    • Renowned Athenian sculptor who created the statue of Athena Parthenos for the Parthenon and the statue of Zeus at Olympia
  • Socrates (c. 470-399 BCE)
    • Athenian philosopher who emphasized critical thinking and questioning of accepted beliefs
    • Taught Plato and influenced the development of Western philosophy
  • Plato (c. 428-348 BCE)
    • Athenian philosopher and founder of the Academy
    • Wrote dialogues exploring topics such as justice, love, and the nature of reality
  • Aristotle (384-322 BCE)
    • Greek philosopher and polymath who studied under Plato
    • Established the Lyceum and made significant contributions to logic, metaphysics, ethics, and natural sciences

Cultural and Social Developments

  • Athenian democracy
    • System of government in which male citizens participated directly in decision-making
    • Reforms of Cleisthenes (508/7 BCE) established the basis for classical Athenian democracy
  • Education
    • Emphasis on literacy, music, athletics, and moral instruction
    • Higher education provided by sophists and philosophers
  • Gender roles
    • Women were excluded from political life and had limited public roles
    • Spartan women had more freedoms and were encouraged to engage in physical training
  • Slavery
    • Integral part of the Greek economy and society
    • Slaves worked in households, agriculture, and industry
  • Symposia
    • Male-only drinking parties that served as a forum for intellectual discussion, entertainment, and networking

Archaeological Techniques and Discoveries

  • Stratigraphic excavation
    • Systematic removal and recording of layers (strata) of soil to establish a chronological sequence
    • Used to date artifacts and reconstruct the history of a site
  • Pottery analysis
    • Study of ceramic styles, production techniques, and distribution patterns
    • Helps establish chronologies and identify trade networks
  • Epigraphy
    • Study of inscriptions on stone, metal, or clay
    • Provides valuable information about laws, decrees, dedications, and historical events
  • Numismatics
    • Study of coins and their production, circulation, and iconography
    • Offers insights into economic systems, political propaganda, and artistic styles
  • Underwater archaeology
    • Exploration of shipwrecks and submerged sites
    • Notable discoveries include the Antikythera mechanism (an ancient astronomical computer) and the Riace bronzes (two Greek warrior statues)

Why It Matters Today

  • Influence on Western civilization
    • Classical Greek culture has had a profound impact on art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and political thought in the Western world
  • Democracy
    • The Athenian model of direct democracy has inspired modern democratic systems and debates about citizen participation
  • Humanism
    • The Greek emphasis on human potential, rationality, and individual achievement has shaped Western values and education
  • Scientific inquiry
    • Greek thinkers laid the foundations for many branches of science, including mathematics, astronomy, biology, and medicine
  • Preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage
    • The study of Classical Greek archaeology helps us understand and appreciate the achievements of this influential civilization
    • Archaeological sites and museums attract millions of visitors each year, contributing to cultural tourism and the global economy


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.