Aegean Culture and Early Greece

Aegean Culture: Minoan Civilization Crete ( B.C.E.) Palace-cities Artisans: jewelry, figurines Women unusually free and equal

Aegean Culture: Mycenaean Civilization Greek mainland ( B.C.E.) Mycenaens: warriors and pirates Treasure found in Mycenae includes the “Mask of Agamemnon” (fig. 2.12) After Trojan War, Mycenae fell

Early Greek Poetry Homeric epics: long narrative poems; heroic deeds; hero who brings pride to country. Iliad and Odyssey: First masterpieces of Western literature (7 th century B.C.E.) Heroes: Achilles and Odysseus Despite man’s frailties, his life is noble

Sappho’s (ca B.C.E.) Lyric Poetry Lyric poems: brief, expressing feelings, often accompanied by a lyre. Sappho’s poems expressed her love for her women friends. Lived her life on the island of Lesbos

Art in Early Greece Geometric Period: ca B.C.E. – ceramics characterized by painted geometric forms. Sculpture small scale in wood, clay, ivory, and bronze. Orientalizing Period: ca B.C.E. – Ceramic designs influenced by trade from Near East. Sculpture inspired by Egyptian models. The Archaic period: ca B.C.E. – black-figure and red-figure pottery. Sculpture progresses from the Egyptian models.

Archaic Sculpture Kouros: free standing nude male youth. Rigid Egyptian-like poses (fig. 2.22) Kore: female version. Clothing softened statue (fig. 2.23)