Unit 2 Ancient Mediterranean, 3500 BCE - 300 CE PP

What was the original function of the Athenian Agora?

Originally a burial ground, later converted into a public space.

Which goddess was central to the Panathenaic Festival?

Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

What architectural feature differentiates the three types of Greek columns?

Doric columns have simple capitals, Ionic columns have scrolled capitals, and Corinthian columns have capitals carved with leaves.

What is the significance of the 'Archaic Smile' in Greek Archaic sculptures?

It suggests that the subject is alive and infused with a sense of well-being.

What are Kouros and Kore figures typically used for in Greek art?

They functioned as grave markers for deceased individuals.

Why were large-scale bronze sculptures particularly treasured in ancient Greece?

Their lighter weight allowed for more ambitious compositional experiments.

What does contrapposto refer to in Greek sculpture?

A relaxed way of standing with one leg bearing weight and a twist in the body.

What is significant about the Parthenon in terms of Greek architecture?

It reflects an intense interest in mathematics and harmony; its proportions are interconnected with the divine.

What does 'Isocephalism' refer to in the context of Greek sculptures?

The practice of depicting the heads of figures on the same level.

What is the main theme of Hellenistic sculpture compared to Classical sculpture?

Hellenistic sculpture shows a wider range of human emotions and dynamic movements.

What does the term 'Gigantomachy' describe in Greek mythology?

A mythical war between the giants and the Olympian gods.

What characterizes the Seated Boxer sculpture from Hellenistic art?

It captures deep emotion, depicting an older man past his prime, looking defeated.

What is the function of the Caryatid in Greek architecture?

A building column shaped like a female figure, often used to support a structure.

What does the Doryphoros by Polykleitos illustrate?

It serves as a model for the ideal proportions of the human figure and the use of contrapposto.

How did the Greeks view nudity in art compared to the Egyptians?

The Greeks glorified the perfection of the human body and were unafraid of depicting nudity.