Unit 2: Ancient Mediterranean, 3500 BCE–300 CE (copy)

Near East

Near East

A region including modern-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, known for its ancient art dating back to 8000 BCE.

Sumerians

An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia around 4000 BCE, creators of early art forms like cylinder seals and votive statues.

Babylonians

Successors to the Sumerians, known for intricate relief sculptures and decorative tiles.

Persians

Rulers from the 6th to 4th century BCE, famous for monumental architecture like Persepolis.

Islamic Art

Emerged in the 7th century CE, characterized by geometric patterns, calligraphy, and bright colors.

Egyptian Art

One of the oldest art forms, known for stylized representations of people, animals, and gods.

Old Kingdom

A period (2686–2181 BCE) known for monumental architecture, including the pyramids of Giza.

New Kingdom

A period (1550–1070 BCE) recognized for elaborate tombs and temples, such as the temple of Karnak.

Etruria

An ancient Italian civilization (900–270 BCE) influenced by Greek art, known for terracotta and bronze works.

Roman Art

Heavily influenced by Greek art, characterized by realism and grand architecture, flourishing from 750 BCE to 350 CE.

White Temple and Ziggurat

A monumental structure in Uruk (c. 3500–3000 BCE) used for rituals, characterized by its mud-brick construction and bent-axis plan.

Statues of Votive Figures

Sculptures from Eshnunna (c. 2700 BCE) representing mortals in prayer, made of gypsum inlaid with shell and limestone.

Standard of Ur

A historical narrative artifact from Ur (c. 2600–2400 BCE) depicting war and peace scenes, made of wood inlaid with precious materials.

Code of Hammurabi

An ancient law code from Babylon (c. 1792–1750 BCE) inscribed on a basalt stele, symbolizing civic harmony.

Lamassu

Human-headed animal guardian figures from the citadel of Sargon II (c. 720–705 BCE), meant to ward off enemies.

Apadana of Darius and Xerxes

An audience hall in Persepolis (c. 520–465 BCE) used for royal receptions, featuring grand columns and relief sculptures.

Palette of King Narmer

A ceremonial palette from Predynastic Egypt (c. 3000–2920 BCE) depicting the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Seated Scribe

A lifelike statue from Saqqara (c. 2620–2500 BCE) representing a scribe, contrasting with idealized pharaonic depictions.

Great Pyramids

Monumental tombs for pharaohs (c. 2550–2490 BCE) in Giza, symbolizing the afterlife and divine kingship.

Great Sphinx

A colossal limestone statue (c. 2500 BCE) with a lion's body and a pharaoh's head, possibly representing Khafre.

King Menkaura and Queen

A statue from the Old Kingdom (c. 2490–2472 BCE) symbolizing the pharaoh's power and the queen's role.

Temple of Amun-Re

A significant temple complex in Karnak (1550 BCE) featuring a hypostyle hall and dedicated to the sun god Amun.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

A temple (c. 1473–1458 BCE) built to honor Hatshepsut, featuring colonnaded terraces and aligned with the winter solstice.

Akhenaton, Nefertiti, and Three Daughters

A limestone relief (1353–1335 BCE) depicting intimate family relationships, showcasing the Amarna style.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

A Hellenistic sculpture (c. 190 BCE) representing the goddess Nike, characterized by dynamic movement and drapery.

Parthenon

A temple in Athens (447–410 BCE) dedicated to Athena, known for its architectural precision and sculptural decoration.

Colosseum

An amphitheater in Rome (72–80 CE) designed for public spectacles, showcasing advanced engineering and architectural design.

Pantheon

A Roman temple (118–125 CE) known for its massive dome and oculus, symbolizing the heavens and dedicated to all gods.

Trajan's Column

A monumental column (113 CE) in Rome depicting the Dacian Wars, featuring a continuous narrative in relief.

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