Ancient Greek Artifacts

Greek art has had a lasting effect on art and sculptures since its inception. Greek styles frequently get reproduced and copied all the way to Japan. Beginning as Mycenaean art, the Greek people learned and simply took off in their own direction. Beautiful works of art have survived since the beginning and have become priceless Greek artifacts. Greek art has been divided into different artistic eras. Each era produced its own different works of art as described below.

Mycenaean Art

Mycenaean art dates back to between 1550 BC and 1200 BC. At this time, the Greek people lived alongside the Mycenaean people. Greeks learned a lot from their neighbors, who were more advanced at that point. Because of the Mycenaean influence, the Greek people learned how to build tombs, manipulate metal for artistic purposes, and perform masonry work. Notable Greek artifacts from this time period include Agamemnon's tomb, Agamemnon's Death Mask, and the Cyclopean Wall of Mycenae.

The Dark Ages

The Dark Ages were dark because not much survived from this time period in Greek history. From about 1100 BC to 1025 BC, there are very few Greek artifacts that have been found. According to history experts, the most likely reason for this lack of art or improvement is due to the constant wars that existed at this time. Anything that has been discovered does not show anything terribly innovative, and methods appear to be the same as that of the Mycenaean time frame.

Proto Geometric Art

The Proto Geometric period lasted from approximately 1025 BC to 900 BC. The reason it is recognized as a different period in Greek artifact history is because it is during this time that pottery was first decorated. Simple geometric shapes and wavy lines decorated artifacts that have since been found. Most objects found from this time period appear abstract at best. Images that you might recognize include pottery with concentric circles or black hands.

Geometric Art

Between 900 BC and 700 BC, geometric art took hold of Greek society. It was during this phase that Greeks began creating carvings that would represent heroes, legends, and temples. The temples were built to honor their gods and were often imbued with statues and other art that has since become priceless Greek artifacts. You would likely recognize the images of the warrior with his chariot and horse, which comes from this period. New trade routes were plentiful, which ultimately led to outside influences within Greek art that would come later.

Orientalizing Phase and Archaic Age

As a result of the trade routes that existed from the Nile through to Greece, the Orient had an impact on the way art was rendered. Between 700 BC and 450 BC, the Archaic Age began to show a more natural impression as a result of Eastern influences. This became known as the Orientalizing Phase during the early part of this age. Sculptures began to include griffins, sphinxes, and sirens. Greek artists also began competing against each other to see who could produce the most innovative works of art. Little did they know that these would become treasured Greek artifacts, like Kouros, which is dated back to 590 BC. These statues typically portrayed Greek ideals of perfection although rigid in stance. Other Greek artifacts from this time period include black-figured vases, ivory carvings, and jewelry.

Classical Art

Classical art existed in Greece's Golden Age after Athens became the ruling city from 480 BC to 323 BC. Artists had become masters of manipulating marble and creating statues that are still around today. You would likely recognize Discobolus, the famous discus thrower, which is housed in the Museo Nazionale Romano. The Classical period is also significant because it was at this point in time that human anatomy became a standard part of these Greek artifacts. The idea was to create statues that reflected people as they were, in a state of motion, as opposed to previously stiff images. Interestingly enough, despite the fact that anatomy on a statue was acceptable, emotion was not. To be emotional was thought to be a weakness, and therefore, statues from this time period lack expression.

Hellenistic Era

The Hellenistic Era took place from about 323 BC to 31 BC, beginning approximately around the time that Alexander the Great died. The era ended after the battle of Actium. Greek artifacts from this time period are markedly different from previous time periods as the Greek people strove to exhibit power as well as energy in their works of art. Additional influences included those from India and Buddhist practices. Notable pieces from this time period include the Venus de Milo and Dying Gaul. While both are statues of otherwise classical heroes, there is a more sensual side, as is expected for the Hellenistic Era.

Greek artifacts have lasted through history and give you a window to another time with another life. Artifacts such as these give you the opportunity to appreciate the people who have come before you and how they have influenced the course of time. Most people recognize the Venus de Milo and the discus thrower, but if Greece had never achieved its artistic innovations, these artifacts would have never existed. A world without art is a dull world indeed, but then again, clearly, the Greek people knew that, or they would not have created these wonderful artifacts for generations to enjoy.